Part II
I wanted to take seminars covering some of the CEC's (Continuing Education Credits) for 2006, so it was more of a necessity that I attend these. In the back of my mind, I was praying for a dark room, with an illuminated stage, seats available 10 rows back, far enough that the speaker wouldn't hear you snore and yet walk away with credits :).
Turns out first one had a different setting - uniformly illuminated room, the orator could easily see you blink, worse they were discussing stuff with the audience -asking questions, people who know me will vouch that I do not like being asked intelligent questions in front of more than 1 people. With a heart full of dread and a mind full of emptiness, I managed to escape the questions. The strategy employed has served me well in the past, namely - Spaces behind Big Guy make good hiding spots.
All of this exhausted me so much that I hit the snack lounge, which fortunately was right outside. After a hearty sandwich & fries, I pulled myself into another one of these seminars, this time it was a dark room with a brightly illuminated stage with lots (>2) of speakers talking about sustainable architecture. I found many like minded audience sitting far away from the stage. This time - Sleep came like a charm.
Read 2 paragraphs above 3 times in sequence and that should sum up the order of events for next couple of days.
1st most exciting thing - was the walk back through some of the downtown neighborhoods. First day walk back was a bit scary what with all the hooplaa I had heard from some of my software engineer friends living large doing software engineering :), south of LA. I know it is premature to assume, but I'll do it anyway - 3 days of walking back convinced me of the Urban Myths that's been generated by this "prosperous South".
2nd Most exciting thing - Google hosted a party to launch Sketch up and free loaders like us were especially attracted to free booze and Chinese food. Past experience has taught me one important rule while indulging in free booze, NEVER EVER mix drinks and stop talking as soon you start feeling good about yourself and so it was, I had a blast. Drinks were especially intoxicating seeing all those neon lights (did I forget to mention that this was hosted at the Museum of Neon Lights). Got into a meaningless conversation with some dude who had no clue what to make of life and using his architect friend's pass to gulp wine and food. The walk back was truly enjoyable, everything felt perfect, even the smelly, damp hotel room wouldn't dampen my spirits.
The flight back including Airport shuttle trip turned out to be uneventful and probably not even worth discussing here.
In retrospect, I ask myself, would I attend the convention again next year - Check back next year same time.
1/22/07
1/19/07
House Hunting - 2
Settlement as the word inaccurately suggests is actually meant to be quite unsettling.
There's the Title Company which does the legwork leading up to the actual process of sitting across the table and exchanging checks for property.
This "well known" title company gave us a competitive quote for title services, but bounced back and gave us a 10,000V shock on the day of settlement by changing their quote. I tried to protest but to no avail, spoke to our Real estate agent, again no results, finally gave up and walked into the settlement room quite glum, quietly cursing and feeling helpless.
The settlement went without a hitch and yes I remember blankly staring at the title officer while she went on explaining details of the deal. After we initialed 20,000 pages ( I can't put a number on the number of pages) and signed another 10,000; checks as in money changed hands, while we got the property papers. Once the show was over everybody felt relaxed and started making jokes (I continued cursing quietly). In such a state of apparent goodwill the title officer mentioned in passing that she has this medical condition where her mind just goes blank and she doesn't remember anything. My eyes popped, my mind however continued to curse with renewed vigor.
Apart for the minor heart burn listed above, the seller and mortgage agent turned out to be true gems. For rest of the people involved in this deal, I say - in the future - Thanks but no thanks!
To all those going through this, I say this - no matter how prepared you are, get plenty of practice in getting shocked, you can either do this by connecting yourself to an electrical socket or deal with a Title company. I recommend the first option.
There's the Title Company which does the legwork leading up to the actual process of sitting across the table and exchanging checks for property.
This "well known" title company gave us a competitive quote for title services, but bounced back and gave us a 10,000V shock on the day of settlement by changing their quote. I tried to protest but to no avail, spoke to our Real estate agent, again no results, finally gave up and walked into the settlement room quite glum, quietly cursing and feeling helpless.
The settlement went without a hitch and yes I remember blankly staring at the title officer while she went on explaining details of the deal. After we initialed 20,000 pages ( I can't put a number on the number of pages) and signed another 10,000; checks as in money changed hands, while we got the property papers. Once the show was over everybody felt relaxed and started making jokes (I continued cursing quietly). In such a state of apparent goodwill the title officer mentioned in passing that she has this medical condition where her mind just goes blank and she doesn't remember anything. My eyes popped, my mind however continued to curse with renewed vigor.
Apart for the minor heart burn listed above, the seller and mortgage agent turned out to be true gems. For rest of the people involved in this deal, I say - in the future - Thanks but no thanks!
To all those going through this, I say this - no matter how prepared you are, get plenty of practice in getting shocked, you can either do this by connecting yourself to an electrical socket or deal with a Title company. I recommend the first option.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
