We started the paperwork to build a house. This is not a duplicate post. The following Tuesday I got a call from the broker and she said our paperwork didn’t go through. It wasn’t a loan issue, it was a floor plan issue. Basically, the lot that we picked (and even put a deposit on to hold while we were deciding) didn’t fit the floor plan we chose. This was one of the larger lots left in the development, but a combination of easements and setbacks made the floor plan too long to fit. In fact, they checked (as this had already happened once before on the same lot with a different floor plan) and there is only one floor plan that they offer that would fit. Well, that they offered. The quarterly price adjustments (increases) came this week and the floor plan that fit is no longer being offered. We didn’t want that floor plan as it was too small, but who knows what they can do with that lot now, because buyers can’t choose a floor plan that will fit. I suspect it will become an inventory home.

It was rather disappointing to lose that lot. We’d already gone from “decide on a floor plan” mode to “decide on options (ie counter tops, colors, etc)” mode. To top it off, Shinta was out of town for training this week. So, after a bunch of back and forth with the broker (and her with the architect), we got some mini plans showing our chosen floor plan on some of the other lots. It was so disappointing to lose the larger lot, but maybe it will turn out for the best. The good thing is that this lot is certainly more level. It’s also a slightly higher elevation. If, for whatever reason, we get a huge rainstorm, water shouldn’t be standing on our property.

So, it’s back to interior decorating decisions…

We started the paperwork to build a house. The next step is getting approved for a mortgage. It’s a big step. Hopefully everything goes smoothly.

We went to watch Children of Men today.  I must say, it is an amazing film.  The level of technical skill demonstrated in this film is simply awesome.  Very few directors today seem to be able to accomplish such technically difficult shots.  I highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys the art of film making.  In terms of the story, I found it compelling, interesting, and woefully hopeful (yes, woefully hopeful).  There is obviously intent to comment on current events and has a political statement, but I just looked past that.  I’m a bit disappointed in how blatant the messages were, but they were weaved well into the story.  I wouldn’t recommend this for all viewers, but I would for people like me.

We went to see Pursuit of Happiness this weekend.  I had very high expectations and was not disappointed.  There really aren’t any big twists to hide and it’s obviously billed as a positive film.  It’s no lie or attempt to mislead.  Go see it, or rent it when it comes out on DVD.  Bring a tissue for the ending.

I found this cool video the other day while looking for Aero Commander stuff.  This is a perfect example of how amazing a pilot Bob Hoover was.  I realize that the Twin Commander is an amazing flying machine, but I think Bob Hoover could have made many a machine dance like this and make it look just as easy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acevFbpMXtM

Wow, what a set of holidays.  We’ve been sick.  Collectively, sick for nearly 2 weeks.  I had my ups and downs with the various bugs, but I think tomorrow may be my first mostly normal day.  We’ll see how it goes, it just sucks that it’ll be immediately back to work.