Month: March 2006

It must be the luck of the Irish flowing to me on this St Patrick’s day because I added another Malloy to the clan two weeks ago. It seems a potentially difficult situation may have resolved itself, more to come…

Me on our honeymoom. Taken at our favourite eating place, the Up Front Club in Maleny. We loved it so much we checked out early on our final day to drive there for breakfast before catching the plane home.

I’ve always believed in, although not often had the opportunity of, having the courage to follow through on your own convictions. Even though others around may disagree and show by their actions that they hold a contrary position to yours it is important to stand up for what you know is right.

And that’s why, even though I was the only one in the street who did it, my green recycling waste was collected this morning and all of the yellow recycling bins I saw when I put the bins out yesterday are still standing, full, on the nature strip.

I just assume that most people who read my blog also read Rae’s, but in case there is somewhere out there who doesn’t you can see some photos of our wedding on Flickr.

No, not Albert or #3 – these steps are house related.

After the phone call from the agent the other day we decided to get pro-active. We looked at a rental property that afternoon, which was depressing, and then checked our deposit amount. While tiny it is enough to show we can save and it means we don’t have to borrow 100% of the amount we are after. Ideally it would be a larger amount before we had to start but we don’t live in an ideal world.

We ventured out to the land of display homes and four hours later we made it back alive. It appears all is not lost. We ran some figures with one builder and while pushing our upper limits (at a relatively generous interest rate) we could afford to purchase a block and then build on it. Sure it’s a long way from where we want to live and we would have to look at a smaller house to make sure we could absorb the interest hikes coming over the hill but at least now we know. The key for us is to get a larger deposit together; just knocking ten to fifteen grand off what we borrow would make our situation a whole lot better. It’s not that much if you say it quickly.

I was struck though about how tough salesmen have it. I don’t believe one word that comes out of their mouths, not one, and surely these days every person sees straight through the ‘free’ inclusions and super deals ‘just for you’. Poor Robert at Burbank Homes today seemed to think we were going to go buy a block when we left him and then come right back to sign on the dotted line. At least he talked to us though. The people at Devine simply glanced up from their keyboards for two seconds before going back to playing Mine Sweeper, a more disinterested pair you couldn’t wish to find. We walked through their office three times and not once did they address us or ask if we needed assistance. The guy at Metricon was a little better, he at least offered some information. The woman at Porter Davis Homes was good – she was the only one who asked if we had any questions after viewing the properties and the only one who smiled as we left.

We’ve still a lot of work and research to do before making a decision but at least we’ve started and are beginning to learn the questions that we have to ask. Poor Phee and Albert will have many a Sunday ruined by traipsing around after mum and dad before we are in a position to sign our life away.

Everybody with a computer who doesn’t live in the UK start downloading Life On Mars now.

We’ve just watched the final episode and it is superb. Fantastic television of the highest standard. Make sure you download all the episodes before you start watching ’cause I can guarantee you won’t be able to watch only one at a time.

Stop reading, go, download now.

Just had a phone call from our Agent. The owners have asked for an appraisal on the house.

“Probably just for insurance.” he says.

Yeah, right. They asked a year ago if we’d be interested in buying so it seems they have decided to cash in their investment at last. I wonder if they’ll give us first offer as they said they would.

Looks like we’re on the move again.

Wedding done, honeymoon done so after five fantastic days it’s back to real life – and now it’s married life at that.

My wife (hehehehe, that still sounds odd) has done a great little summary of the wedding day if you’re interested. I’ll get around to my own soon but it’s time to head off to my bed for the first time since last Thursday night. See you all tomorrow.

Here I am at the airport, I’ve given Rob the slip and my flight to Rio leaves in 5 minutesw…

Nah, only joking. Rob and I are about to head out for breakfast before attending to the most last minute of last minute arrangements then it’s time for me to see my lovely bride. It’s only three hours to go and I’m burtsing out of my skin to get to the cinema.

As an aside though, I wonder if it’s just coincidence that I packed my Alcatraz t-shirt to wear this morning?

Now we’re off; coffee, breakfast, bank and then the rest of my life.

It’s the day before and all, so far, is well. Just a few last minute things to take care of (where do you buy cake envelopes?) but we’re on schedule. The biggest drag is packing today for leaving Sunday morning. The nana’s will be house sitting while we are away, looking after Bert. Phee is off to her great grandmothers, just around the corner from her school, which will make life easier for everyone.

I can’t wait for tomorrow, it should be a fun day. I just have to hope now that Rae doesn’t come to her senses and hop the first flight to Rio; I know I’ll be a lot calmer when I finally hear her say the magic words.

To my bride; thankyou for saying yes a year ago. I promise to do my best to make you happy for the rest of our lives. I love you.