Actually, there is a tie for second place! Both are renovated by the firm Worldstudio International and provide a nice nice mix of traditional and modern designs. They come in a whopping 70 to 75 thousand dollars under Casa Chablis but are smaller to be sure. I have to say there are a number of wonderful properties to be had in Merida if money is not an object. The first is La Cochera. Brian's "beef" with this one is that the kitchen is not adjacent to the main outdoor patio and eating area. But in my mind the kitchen is so great and I can handle just a small eating area (with fountain!) next to the kitchen for my morning coffee!
The second one is great as well. Architect Henry Ponce did the renovation and the interiors were done by Worldstudio International - killer combination! The front rooms have a wonderful feel and I love the arches. It comes furnished which is a plus but I could really do without the "bumble bee" chairs! There is no video for this one but you can see the listing of this home in the barrio (neighborhood) of La Ermita.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
#1 Choice If...
Before I give you my take on the 4 properties, I want to share with you our top favorite place in Merida - if only we could afford it!! :) It's called Casa Chablis by architect Henry Ponce. It seems the perfect solution with the beauty of form and function. I love the indoor/outdoor hallway with the long fountain. The rooftop area for entertaining or just enjoying the evening breezes is amazing, let alone the pool and patio area. There is a separate floor for the master suite which gives privacy. The only small negative is that it doesn't have double sinks for the master bath. i suppose I could live with that! :) I'd love to wander through it for myself!
Friday, July 15, 2011
My Own Version
I'm back with colonials! I thought I'd do a severely adapted version of House Hunters International. My adaptations include 4 choices not 3, I'm not buying now (may never), plus, I've never even been to Merida but have become very intrigued. Even though this vacation / half and half living may never happen I'm trying to pick ones that might half way be realistic. Probably in another post I'll put videos of my 2, over the top, favorites - way out of our league! In the end, we'd like a 2 bedroom and 2 bath place. After all, we want a place for guests!!
So, #1 is a clean slate, the cheapest but more work than any of them. We will be able to put our own personal stamp on it but it would take time. A big benefit of this one is the finished "guesthouse" - some place to sleep while renovating. http://www.mexintl.com/property/003343 It is close to a park and a market, although on the edge of the central area we'd like to be in.
#2 has plans for a second bedroom and a pool, so still work to be done but the rest is finished! http://www.mexintl.com/property/003304 It is closer to the center but it does have what appears to be an auto business across the street.
#3 is closer to the center than #1. The configuration is already a 2/2 so that's a plus. A pool is necessary for all of them. They are equal in that regard. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=268&offered=sale
Lastly #4, there are no plans completed but it still needs another bedroom and bath. What is in place is done nicely. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=332&offered=sale
I like them all and each has positive and negatives. If you want, you can weigh in on the options!
So, #1 is a clean slate, the cheapest but more work than any of them. We will be able to put our own personal stamp on it but it would take time. A big benefit of this one is the finished "guesthouse" - some place to sleep while renovating. http://www.mexintl.com/property/003343 It is close to a park and a market, although on the edge of the central area we'd like to be in.
#2 has plans for a second bedroom and a pool, so still work to be done but the rest is finished! http://www.mexintl.com/property/003304 It is closer to the center but it does have what appears to be an auto business across the street.
#3 is closer to the center than #1. The configuration is already a 2/2 so that's a plus. A pool is necessary for all of them. They are equal in that regard. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=268&offered=sale
Lastly #4, there are no plans completed but it still needs another bedroom and bath. What is in place is done nicely. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=332&offered=sale
I like them all and each has positive and negatives. If you want, you can weigh in on the options!
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Internal Processor
That's what computers have - internal processors. I'm not a computer; nevertheless I process feelings, ideas and thoughts internally. How many bloggers are internal processors? I'm wondering if we are the majority or most likely the minority. Or it's just a mixed bag because it is more dependent on if we like to write. It doesn't really matter, although I'm curious.
I've decided to continue writing at least for awhile. I'm curious to see what will happen with me, and perhaps interactions and connections will expand along the way. Life is full of surprises and now is not the time to put pressure or expectations on myself about what this blog must be or should be. Hopefully you'll bear with me! :)
I've decided to continue writing at least for awhile. I'm curious to see what will happen with me, and perhaps interactions and connections will expand along the way. Life is full of surprises and now is not the time to put pressure or expectations on myself about what this blog must be or should be. Hopefully you'll bear with me! :)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Blog Wonderings
Once again I've been thinking about posting, even sat down to do it a couple of times, but obviously the follow through wasn't there. I've been struggling a bit about the content of my blog and how relevant (or not) it is for others. If it's just for me, I could do a journal. Many blogs that I see are theme based, like "Moving to Merida". It's true that the name of my blog suggests an informal chat that could be about a myriad of subjects depending on the day, mood or obsession of the moment! :) I just want it to be real but not boring either! My life is not fast paced. I'm very content in life, but is there interest for others about my general musings? There hasn't been much chatting on the blog but perhaps my writing does not invite interaction. If I wrap it all up in a package then what's to comment on? But then maybe that's not the point either! Perhaps the nature of blogs is just to put out the 'musings' into the cosmic void for whatever the result might be. Do I even need to know if anyone is 'listening'?!
When I started this blog I was a missionary in Poland. It was another avenue for people to get to know me and my life there, something other than the periodic newsletters. I'm not a missionary anymore, at least not one living in a foreign country. Since the purpose for which I started this blog is over, am I done?
I guess bottom line I wonder if any of this holds interest. I know I have to figure out what I think and feel about this. If people are reading, don't feel compelled to respond. Of course if you do want to write, please feel free!
When I started this blog I was a missionary in Poland. It was another avenue for people to get to know me and my life there, something other than the periodic newsletters. I'm not a missionary anymore, at least not one living in a foreign country. Since the purpose for which I started this blog is over, am I done?
I guess bottom line I wonder if any of this holds interest. I know I have to figure out what I think and feel about this. If people are reading, don't feel compelled to respond. Of course if you do want to write, please feel free!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
People
I changed my "about me" just a bit, made me think. Architecture school does seem so long ago! I suppose as one gets older that is the constant state of things, I'm sorry to say! :o I loved Arch school although it was exhausting most of the time. I learned a lot and felt like I was accomplishing something. I guess that's still true in a way and I won't take anything from that time. Absolutely no regrets even though I no longer work in the field, nor really have any desire to do so. I still love art and architecture but there's so much more to life. Back then (just to get through) I was consumed by it all. Now, I can just enjoy it, but people are where I'd rather put my focus. Do I get frustrated by people? Hurt? Shocked? Saddened? Oh yeah! But there's so much richness, things to learn (about myself and others), depth and soul involvement that it makes it all worthwhile.
There's no doubt I have my moments ... like just last week - I hate the feeling of being misjudged, written off - but it happens. I need to process through all those emotions. One of the reasons that God gave me the opportunity to marry Brian was so I could become a nicer person. :) Due to all of Brian's life experiences, he usually has a different way I can look at people. He is more gracious and I need him in my life!! Good thing I snatched up the opportunity and said - Yes!
People certainly make life interesting! I'm getting better at processing through all my feelings so I don't hold on to any hurt or disappointment. If I try to limit those feelings, block them or stuff them then I'm more likely to also limit hope and joy. Besides, I really do like people!!
There's no doubt I have my moments ... like just last week - I hate the feeling of being misjudged, written off - but it happens. I need to process through all those emotions. One of the reasons that God gave me the opportunity to marry Brian was so I could become a nicer person. :) Due to all of Brian's life experiences, he usually has a different way I can look at people. He is more gracious and I need him in my life!! Good thing I snatched up the opportunity and said - Yes!
People certainly make life interesting! I'm getting better at processing through all my feelings so I don't hold on to any hurt or disappointment. If I try to limit those feelings, block them or stuff them then I'm more likely to also limit hope and joy. Besides, I really do like people!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Spending Money!
Well perhaps it's appropriate that I'm going to write about spending money after my previous post! We are doing a small remodel of the 2 guest bathrooms - a half bath downstairs and a full bath upstairs. It's nothing incredibly extensive. New countertops, sinks, faucets and lighting along with painting, those are on the agenda. I'm thrilled to make the half bath a little more functional, let alone to bring the look of both bathrooms out of the 80s!
Our taste in not dissimilar but I think sometimes we surprise one another with what we come up with. The choice of sinks is one example. OK, maybe you don't want all the nitty, gritty details of how the sinks got chosen!! Basically, Brian's choice got selected for the half bath and my choice for upstairs. His choice was so much better than mine would have been, and the upstairs is going to look great too!! It's fun and I can't wait to see the finished product. It's only lighting and paint colors left to chose. I'm so glad we are getting our feet wet with remodeling on a small scale. The master bath and kitchen need to be done but that won't be for a couple of years as we store up money for it.
If I remember maybe I'll post pictures!
Our taste in not dissimilar but I think sometimes we surprise one another with what we come up with. The choice of sinks is one example. OK, maybe you don't want all the nitty, gritty details of how the sinks got chosen!! Basically, Brian's choice got selected for the half bath and my choice for upstairs. His choice was so much better than mine would have been, and the upstairs is going to look great too!! It's fun and I can't wait to see the finished product. It's only lighting and paint colors left to chose. I'm so glad we are getting our feet wet with remodeling on a small scale. The master bath and kitchen need to be done but that won't be for a couple of years as we store up money for it.
If I remember maybe I'll post pictures!
Saturday, May 07, 2011
M.I.M
The topic of money is bound to come up sooner or later. It's impossible to completely remove oneself from it's sphere of influence. I suppose someone might disagree with me but then I'm not a backwoods, living off the grid type of person! I do like my creature comforts, like indoor plumbing!! Money certainly can give varying degrees of freedom but at the same time can also twist us up in knots.
The aspect I'm zeroing in on is Money, Independence and Marriage, or MIM for short! : ) Surprisingly enough, or not, being one in finances was/is one of the biggest adjustments for me in married life. Why? Hmmm... At first, it was difficult to even remember that I needed to consult Brian on some purchases that were out of the ordinary. How were the monthly expenses going? Did it fit in the budget at this time? Brian isn't tight fisted at all but there is only so much money that comes in monthly! As a single person, if there was money in the bank - why not!? A budget? Only I had to suffer any consequences of irresponsible spending. I don't think of myself as irresponsible so whether single or married there aren't a lot of problems. This issue is really in my heart and attitude.
The concept of a budget is not an anathema to me, quite the contrary! Knowing limits for types of spending actually gives me more freedom and security. I think it comes down to someone else taking care of me. How is that a bad thing?! It isn't!!!! I just think it tickles at that age old issue of mine called performance based love. I'm not doing enough - guilt. How am I contributing? I can't be pulling my own weight. I don't deserve this because I haven't done anything for it. Peeu - all that stinks!! In reality, whatever Brian and I bring to the marriage of a financial nature really has come from God. I want to share with him just as much as he wants to share with me. I don't want to cheapen God's provision for both of us by keeping tally (of whatever it might be), being burdened by guilt, or the pressure of earning it. God freely gives. I just have to remember from where the blessing is really coming.
It's funny, in both a Ha Ha and strange way, the aspects of life that can trip me up. I can make things so complicated or just plain whacked. I've got to recognize these issues first, but thankfully God is the one to make the adjustments in me so my load truly is light. In addition, I can talk to Brian about anything, even if it's stinky! All in all, thank GOD! : )
The aspect I'm zeroing in on is Money, Independence and Marriage, or MIM for short! : ) Surprisingly enough, or not, being one in finances was/is one of the biggest adjustments for me in married life. Why? Hmmm... At first, it was difficult to even remember that I needed to consult Brian on some purchases that were out of the ordinary. How were the monthly expenses going? Did it fit in the budget at this time? Brian isn't tight fisted at all but there is only so much money that comes in monthly! As a single person, if there was money in the bank - why not!? A budget? Only I had to suffer any consequences of irresponsible spending. I don't think of myself as irresponsible so whether single or married there aren't a lot of problems. This issue is really in my heart and attitude.
The concept of a budget is not an anathema to me, quite the contrary! Knowing limits for types of spending actually gives me more freedom and security. I think it comes down to someone else taking care of me. How is that a bad thing?! It isn't!!!! I just think it tickles at that age old issue of mine called performance based love. I'm not doing enough - guilt. How am I contributing? I can't be pulling my own weight. I don't deserve this because I haven't done anything for it. Peeu - all that stinks!! In reality, whatever Brian and I bring to the marriage of a financial nature really has come from God. I want to share with him just as much as he wants to share with me. I don't want to cheapen God's provision for both of us by keeping tally (of whatever it might be), being burdened by guilt, or the pressure of earning it. God freely gives. I just have to remember from where the blessing is really coming.
It's funny, in both a Ha Ha and strange way, the aspects of life that can trip me up. I can make things so complicated or just plain whacked. I've got to recognize these issues first, but thankfully God is the one to make the adjustments in me so my load truly is light. In addition, I can talk to Brian about anything, even if it's stinky! All in all, thank GOD! : )
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