[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

August 6, 2005 - 6:38 am

OK Dazz, I’ll take the bait…

Have you ever actually swapped roles?

My husband used to think he was the only one who had it bad, working 60hrs p/w often crazy times eg leave home at 4pm and home again at 2am. Most of the hours over the standard 40 were unpaid too – sounds stupid but if you wanted to be in management for a ColesMyer company it was just a requirement of the job, if you didn’t like it you were free to leave (hence the high staff turnover). He is now a part-time manager for a different company in ColesMyer and a lot of these issues are just now being addressed. Anyway, it was a cow of a job and that is an understatement.

The only hope for any relief or improvement (with the mindset hubby had at the time and after the damage the job had done to his self esteem) was the prospect of promotion within the company. This all took its toll on him, me, our daughter and family relations as a whole. However, as you pointed out, the money has got to keep rolling in. So that was how we lived.

Then I had to spend 6 weeks in hospital.

After one week he came in to visit and said “honey, I don’t know how you do it. I can’t wait until you get home so that I can give your job back and go back to work”. I can’t tell you how gratifying that was. I knew he worked hard but until that point in time he had no idea just what needed doing while he was at work or asleep.

Mind you it was a baptism of fire because he hardly knew our daughter due to his crazy work hours. Until then he had never actually changed a pooy (is that how you spell it?) nappy and our daughter was 13 months old! He had never been alone with her for more than a couple of hours and had never had to wake up and get out of bed when she cried.

The relentless demands of a child coupled with the relentless monotony of the never ending housework were actually less appealing to him than that cow of a job. He has never been quite the same since.

This experience was one of the things that helped him come around in his attitude. He used to think that him climbing the ladder at work while I went back to part-time work when the kids were old enough for school was the way we’d live our lives. After seeing just how hard it was for both of us he had to admit that if there was an alternative then that was definitly the way to go.

So Dazzling while many (dare I say most) women have been chained to a job, have you ever been the full time parent/house-keeper for a decent stretch of time while your partner was otherwise occupied?

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

August 5, 2005 - 11:44 pm

LifeX you lucky thing!

I have a (very) soft spot for HRs. When I was born I was brought home from hospital in our metalic blue HR Premier sedan. In this car our mum drove us everywhere for the next 16 years, school, shopping, holidays on the coast, you name it. It was the first car I ever drove when I got my L plates. We loved that car and us kids named it Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (from the movie).

Unfortunately when I was 16 our dad decided that Chitty was not going to pass rego and it was no longer economical to fix her. In desparation I shared my plight with all my school friends. One of them came back to me and said that her dad would fix the car and us two girls could share it.

Before he came to look at it I washed, polished, vacumed and even blacked the tyres to help her make a good impression. My friend’s dad said OK and I cried with relief. My mum and I even went to the RTA and had the original number plates put on hold so that when it was time to register her she could have them back.

Then things went wrong. One day, out of the blue I found out that she was registered. Not in the names of my friend and/or I but in her dad’s name. Of course not with her real number plates either. My parents spoke to her parents to no avail. The police said that, as the car was unresistered, my friend’s dad didn’t need proof of purchase to register it in his name and effectively steal it from us (that’s what my parents told me at the time anyway). That is where the story ends.

I never drove Chtty again and only once endured a painful ride in her while my “friend” drove. She knew that no other car in the world could replace Chitty for me and that any car in the world would have been just as good for her dad and her. For me it just added insult to injury.

I’ve thought about buying another HR but it really couldn’t replace Chitty, still the sight or even mention of a HR tugs at my heart which is why I had to share the story of my first car with you when I read LifeX’s post.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

PS I have never named or become emotionally attached to a car since – I’m not really a raving loony… I guess it was all just part of growing up.

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

August 5, 2005 - 10:50 pm

Hi Gross,

“bird dogs” go find property and bring it back.

There seem to be lots of variations on this theme (eg what services (if any) are included with finding the property, flat fee or % of purchase cost, etc) but basicaly if someone, for whatever reason (eg time poor, inexperience), can’t find property/s that suit their requirements then they can use the services of a bird dog to find the property they are after. The bird dog may have a list of properties available or find one suitable and report back with what is on offer that the buyer may be interested in. For this service they charge a fee.

Like anything else there are the good and the not so good in this profession so “buyer beware” but still a valuable service as long as you employ the right bird dog.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

August 4, 2005 - 9:56 am

We’re a one car family although it can be a bit difficult at times (often consider a 2nd but just never get around to it). Ours is a 1986 Holden Gemimi. We bought it from a wrecking yard in 1999 for $500 when we were (almost) flat broke. Nothing wrong with it except that it was used as a trade in and the car yard didn’t want to bother trying to sell it. Still very reliable and never needed more than new tires and a tune up once in a blue moon.

Once upon a life I had a new Toyota Starlet (it was even purple!) but sold it to pay off debts and bought the Gemimi with the change.

I kinda think a BMW would suit me though…

This is a really interesting thread Dazzling

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

August 1, 2005 - 10:13 pm

This is a great story! After I finished laughing I realised that the scary part is that it isn’t too hard to picture any of it being true. Can you imagine the poor guy’s state of mind when he wrote the cheque for $0.00?

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 31, 2005 - 4:49 am

Hi Terry,

I actually logged on to see if there was anything posted about this. I don’t know much about Mr Iemma but I sure was happy when I saw the front page of todays paper

We only have 3 IPs but all are in NSW – no more land tax and now no more vendor’s tax for us!

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 29, 2005 - 11:18 am

If I had to give myself just one tip it would be to remember to see mistakes as opportunities. Easier said than done as not only do I beat myself over the head with my mistakes, I tend to let others do it as well!

Last year my husband and I signed up for a Reno Kings workshop. All fired up and convinced we’d come home as reno kings ourselves we exchangged contracts to buy a rather badly neglected little duplex just a week or so before we left for Qld. We told our families (and the property manager at the agency we bought it from – how embarassing) how we were going to fix it up over a couple of weeks and increase the yield and create instant equity blah, blah, blah…

Well needless to say that reno kings we are not.

At first we got a bit down about it, then we had a few fights over it and then we just let it sit there unfinished for a while while we streessed out about the lost rent. Finally we realised that the best solution would have been to pay someone to do most of the work and give up on being “reno kings” ourselves. Perhaps we need a bit more practice when time is not costing us money or perhaps we will just call the reno idea quits altogether.

My step-father-in-law and his brother are builders and they were going to help but… well that is another lesson/tip in its own right.

As if the whole experience wasn’t disheartening enough my father who has always had faith in me now says that the whole experience should have taught me not to keep on with this “frightening” idea of property investing.

So what was the opportunity here? We learned that it is best to cut your losses early and hire a proffesional or two if necessary. Although it may seem expensive at first, at the end of the financial year you will realise that it was the best choice if you are out of your depth. We also learned that we are not reno kings and that there is a better strategy out there for us than the DIY specials. Oh, well… looking forward to the next opportunity

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 27, 2005 - 12:41 am

Hi Dr X,

I’ve never done business with him myself but have heard a recommendation for Mark Sander in Adelaide 08 8223 1620.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 26, 2005 - 3:24 am

Hi Richard,

There are still plenty of people who can’t get finance for all sorts of reasons. For example we have a property with tenants in place who want to purchase their own home but can’t get finance despite using a good broker. We are currently looking into doing a vendor finance deal to help them buy our IP.

Just one example from my own experience.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 24, 2005 - 5:48 am

Hi Caston,

My experience with ASDs is limited to the fact that I have a 3yo son who had been diagnosed with autism. It gives me stress that his future is uncertain but as you point out, a gift that comes with ASD is the ability to focus and to see things that are not obvious to the “neurotypical” person as you so nicely put it (I have been looking for an alternative to “normal” since my son was diagnosed).

For those who may not be aware, there is a two-fold reason (as I understand it from my research, the seminars and special ed. teachers) that people with ASD’s (Aspergers and autism in thier various forms) find these physical types of jobs difficult. Firstly many of these people have motor planning issues and require greater processing time. The result is that these people have difficulty performing physical tasks as quickly as the “neurotypicals” eg Caston’s experience with the chicken boning. Because speach also requires considerable motor planning their verbal skills affected as well and this in turn creates difficulties with face to face interactions eg job interviews or social recriation and everything in between. There are other issues with verbal communication and ASDs that I don’t understand beyond the fact that my son’s speech pathologist has told us that we may as well be speaking another language to our son. It will take him a long while and a great effort to learn verbal communication skills. Frustrating for all involved as his neurological difficulties do not reflect his intellectual abilities.

The second factor that presents difficulty for people with these disorders in undertaking physical labour requiring speed is that they tend to be very particular. They need things to be exactly right. This need for exactness often becomes stronger when the person is under stress or suffering with anxiety. This has clear advantages for some types of work but makes it impossible to perform with the same speed as a “neurotypical” when working in manual/physical labour jobs. Sadly many people only recognise the lack of speed and the superior quality is overlooked in this area of employment.

Caston, my advice would be to concentrate on a job where you can use your strengths and interests to out perform the “neurotypicals”. You and I both know that this will involve intellectual rather than physical work.

Best of luck with it and don’t feel bad about being at home.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 23, 2005 - 10:07 pm

We have tried two different network marketing companies. Both resulted in failure…

The first was a product that I really believe in but just don’t use much (Nutrimetics – make-up and skin care). It is a great product and I’m still happy to buy it off someone else every other year or so. It was very hard to sell something I just wasn’t that interested in.

The second had an excellent business model but the research that they relied on to justify the “need” for people to use their products just would not stand up to university level scrutiny. There was nothing published in reputable journals and the studies they quoted were mostly “one-offs” done by people with no standing in the industry (outside of the network marketing company, that is). Some of the names used and studies quoted were enough (combined with that excellent business model) to get us excited and sign up. As time went on and I did more research I became more and more uncomfortable using the products and advising others to do the same. BTW (for the forum members who know what company I’m talking about) this only applies to the mega doses of vitamins – the shampoos and skin care products were great. Just before anyone gets defensive (as I know a few people here are involved with this company) I studied at the University of Wollongong for a degree in science with a nutrition major and what I’m stating here is only my opinion and if I’m wrong it won’t be the first or last time in my life Hence we dropped out of this one too.

I believe that to make network marketing work you have to love and use all of the products associated with the company you are signed up with. If you have a passion for the products then that will carry you a long way to success within the company… Just my conclusion after two failed attempts

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 22, 2005 - 10:25 pm

Hi Danny,

I’ve never heard of her before but after taking a quick look at the link you posted I’m interested in knowing a bit more (maybe not 3K worth though). Like Gatsby I’d appreciate an update on the introductory night.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 22, 2005 - 10:06 am

In my experience as a parent, carpets with a pattern tend to hide a lot of marks/dirt/stains/etc. The pattern doesn’t have to be too bold, I agree that can be a turn off and date badly. One with flecks of different shading through it will do the trick, just as long as it is not a solid colour.

As with almost everything else for IP I would pick something neutral (perhaps a shade of beige or grey) that is not too dark which will show all fluff or too light which will show stains easily.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 21, 2005 - 9:56 am

It has not been working for a long while. I made a post similar to yours here months ago but got no response…

Is it meant to be working or is it just there to tease us?

Seriously, it does sound as if it is worth a read, what is the story? Is it an old publication or resource that is no longer available?

I am still curious

Kind Regards
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 21, 2005 - 1:13 am

Depending on how much ‘wee’ there is it can become a huge expense. I remember talking to a carpet layer who has seen it soak through the floor coverings and into the floorboards so that even new carpet and underlay did not remove the stench.

Having said that I think that tenants have a right to keep pets and an obligation to pay for any damage they cause.

I like the idea of having dishwashers in rental properties. Living near Griffith I also think that a high gain antenna is a real bonus so that you can pick up channel 10 from Wagga… We really missed it when we first moved here and the owner (we are renting) was not willing to give us a decent antenna.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 17, 2005 - 2:03 am

I’m no solicitor and I’m not experienced in “sandwich lease/options” but I can’t see the problem with having two seperate caveats (each one held by the seperate people who have purchased the options to buy) on the one property.

Is the solicitor you are using experienced in this area of property law? This should be something that he/she can accurately advise you on.

Best of luck with it.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

July 8, 2005 - 11:13 pm

Thankyou so much Paul!

Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

June 23, 2005 - 3:42 am

Hi Dr X,

I can remember some years ago having a conversation about the “…so what do you do for a living?” question. Although I can’t remember exactly who it was that came up with this answer, I have never forgoten it. This guy said that because he found the question offensive, he simply responded by smiling and replying “As little as possible.”

I don’t quite know if I’d be able to pull it off myself (and I’ve never tried) but it sure stuck in my mind.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

June 5, 2005 - 12:13 am

Thanks for the input,

After talking to council I found out a couple of things. One is that it is possible to bend the rules in the right circumstances. Another is that if it creates rather than removes “affordable housing” then it will be looked upon favourably by council.

On the other hand the building to be relocated must be BCA compliant and have all asbestos removed and/or sealed under vinyl cladding before being moved into our council area (our council doesn’t want the asbestos containing material brought into the area even if we plan to remove it) – this is a major headache as removing and replacing asbestos fibro then transporting it is less than ideal. Even less desirable is vinyl cladding prior to transport.

Our helpful town planner also sugggested converting one of the buildings so that there are a total of four dwellings in order to increase the chances of approval and speed up the DA.

On the whole it was a great idea but as the person giving the flats away wants them gone “yesterday” (so he can begin his own development) we won’t have time to follow it up given the problems with asbestos and meeting BCA standards.

Thanks again for the replies.

Kind Regards,
Sonja

[SonjaMember@sonjaJoin Date: 2004Post Count: 338]

May 11, 2005 - 11:51 pm

Hi Landt,

Just a word of caution… We own a house with inactive (happened pre 1999 when we bought it) termite damage. The termites must have caused some structural damage at the time because there have been related repairs and replacements. The evidence that remains is not structural and the source of moisture (leaky walls in shower) has been fixed. My in-laws are builders and looked at it for us VERY carefully.

To us it was a non-issue until we tried to sell. Now it is a major hassle. Buyers so far don’t seem to either understand or care that the damage is both inactive and not structural.

If you are sure you will hold and there is no structural damage then go ahead. If you may want to sell then be warned of the trouble we are having!

Kind Regards,
Sonja