New jobs

Update on my work life: I am no longer just the director of commercial real estate property management (i.e. shopping centers and office buildings), but I am now an interior designer and the president of an HOA (homeowner's association). I mean, what???? I manage finances and capital budgets. I oversee roof replacements, developement, tenant constructions, renovations. I read tenant leases and deal with attorneys in lawsuits. I collect rents and figure reconcililations based on 30 different types of leases throughout 12 properties. Now I get to add to my list that I manage cable television and gate codes (I can't even figure out how to buy a movie on PPV without Stuart's help!). I now write letters to homeowners re-stating clauses in HOA documents like "Homeowner's will pick up their dog's feces timely and immediately upon occurance. Time is of the essence in this matter." Oh my!

I have also become an interior designer. I have been put in charge of the remodeling of the office building lobby and upper floor hallways. We're talking new carpeting, new paint and wallpaper, new plants, new pictures and decor. Okay, this is me we're talking about here. My house has no decor because I do not know how to decorate. If it were me decorating my house, I would perfectly mimic the Pottery Barn catalog, or hire someone to do it for me, which is exactly what I suggested to my client: to hire an interior decorator. He said no. Why would he do that when they charge a premium and I can squeeze it into my normal monthly management fee? Note to self - update management contract to include a 5% of cost fee for interior re-decorating.

Here's a picture of the existing marble which is to remain. Not much to work with, eh? It's blue, tan and kind of a foresty/seaweed green color if you can't see it very well.



Okay.....deep breath.....I am going to embrace these projects, be the problem solver that got me this job in the first place four years ago next month and I will take ownership, requesting help when needed. You'll see, I'll do a "bang-up" job on both of these projects. Now, let's get started! (This is going to be fun, I can tell!) :-)