TAKE Defense - Self Defense Class

I did something Wednesday night I've been wanting to do FOREVER...I took a Self Defense Class!!! It was awesome! It was with TAKE Defense and the Ali Kemp Foundation. For those of you not from the area (or not familiar), Ali Kemp was a college student who was attacked and killed in Leawood a few years ago while working at the neighborhood pool. Her attacker WAS found!! Her family started this foundation and they put on classes. Her dad was even at the class and spoke.

I learned soooo much. Not only did we get to practice some moves, but they gave us some "real world" advice. One of the "teachers" use to work with inmates who had attacked victims. One thing he honestly believes is once a stalker, always a stalker! These guys DON'T change! One sucmbag (his term!) told him how he'd attack ladies at the grocery store (we are unguarded). He'd wait from them to unlock the doors to put the groceries in then get into the front seat. He said one thing the ladies NEVER did was throw the keys...in the back, out the door, ANYWHERE!! If you toss your keys, you can't drive anywhere!! Great idea!! The "teacher" kept telling us we need to be aware at ALL times of our surroundings!! It doesn't matter where you are. Sucmbags attack when you are LEAST expecting it!! Make eye contact! An attacker will usually come around 6-10 times before they attack! They want to know your schedule.

I would suggest EVERY women take this class. I'll take it with you!!! I just loved it!! For more information: www.takedefense.org

Kansas in the news!!! A positive on the lending!!

Not only are interest rates LOW, a KANSAS bank made NATIONAL news for POSITIVE reasons!! I saw this on The Today Show this morning and I heard it was on other shows as well and they will be airing a longer special! Gotta love positive publicity for our area!! - Jodi

CapFed Featured as 'Little Bank that Could'

NEW YORK – Capitol Federal Savings, a Kansas bank with dozens of metro locations, was featured Thursday on “The Today Show" as “one of the banks that got it right.”

“It wasn’t easy,” CNBC’s Erin Burnett told Today host Matt Lauer. “But there were a few.”

Burnett says there are banks across America that didn’t make the colossal mistakes that others made and dubbed CapFed’s story as the “Little Bank that Could.”

Bank chairman John Dicus is the third generation leader of the bank. “I’ve been fortunate to be the third generation to fall in line now behind my father and my grandfather,” Dicus said.

Based in Topeka, CapFed boasts high standards when it comes to lending, and Burnett says they followed them “even things were booming and it seemed nothing could go wrong.”

Dicus says they stayed away from doing the flavor of the month by staying away from subprime mortgages, even with the promise of big money. “So many other institutions that got in trouble were trying to keep up with somebody else and taking on more risk.”

While some of the tanking banks have lost up to three-quarters of their stock value, CapFed stock is up 40 percent.

“What separates Capitol Federal from the pack,” says Mike Shafir of brokerage firm Sterne Agee, “is the fact these guys have a very sustainable business model."

You can see the entire report from "Today" by clicking on the link to the media player: http://www.nbcactionnews.com/mostpopular/story/CapFed-Featured-as-Little-Bank-that-Could/8I8Im60YikaGbJTqy5bMKw.cspx

Posted by: Aaron Heintzelman Email: heintzelman@nbcactionnews.com

Remodeling Projects with the Highest Return

Remodeling Projects With the Highest Returns

For the second year in a row, REALTORS® report that exterior remodeling projects return the most money as a percentage of cost, as detailed in the 2008 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report.

On a national level, wood deck additions and all types of siding replacements–upscale fiber cement, midrange vinyl, and upscale foam-backed vinyl–returned more than 80 percent of project costs upon resale. Of these, the most profitable project was upscale fiber cement siding, which recouped 86.7 percent of costs, followed by wood decks at 81.8 percent, midrange vinyl siding at 80.7 percent, and upscale foam-backed vinyl siding at 80.4 percent.

The 2008 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report compares construction costs with resale values for 30 midrange and upscale remodeling projects comprising additions, remodels and replacements in 79 markets across the country, expanding from 60 markets last year.

Projects With Highest, Lowest Returns

In addition to wood decks and siding, window replacements and kitchen remodels also returned a relatively high percentage of remodeling costs on a national basis.

All types of window replacements–upscale and midrange wood and upscale and midscale vinyl–returned more than 76 percent of costs. A major midrange kitchen remodel returned 76 percent of project costs, while a minor midrange kitchen remodel returned 79.5 percent of costs.

On a national level, bathroom remodels, while still a relatively good investment, do not return as high a percentage as in previous years. A midrange bathroom remodel was estimated to return 74.4 percent on resale, comparable to a midrange attic-to-bedroom conversion, at 73.6 percent of costs recouped, and a midrange basement remodel, at 72.7 percent of costs recouped.

As in last year’s report, the least profitable remodeling projects in terms of resale value were home office remodels, sunroom additions, and back-up power generators, returning only 54.4 percent, 56.6 percent, and 57.1 percent, respectively, of project costs.

National Association of Realtors® President Charles McMillan says the resale value of any given remodeling project depends on a variety of factors.

“A home’s overall condition, availability and condition of surrounding properties, location, and regional economic climate are all factors that will influence the value of any remodeling project,” he says.

Results of the report are summarized in the December 2008 issue of REALTOR® Magazine. The issue also includes examples of actual remodeling projects that were less expensive than many of the report’s cost estimates. Read the story online.

Full project descriptions, as well as national, regional and local project data for the 79 cities covered by the report will be posted at www.costvsvalue.com by Dec. 5.

This is the 11th consecutive year that the report, which is produced by Hanley Wood, LLC, was completed in cooperation with REALTOR® Magazine. For the report, Realtors® provided their insight into local markets and buyer home preferences.Source: NAR
Browse all of today's

A Little Real Estate News...

Housing prices have fallen dramatically all over the country and rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are already close to 5.5 percent. Experts say it's possible, with government encouragement, that rates will fall as low as 4.5 percent.Now is the time for first-time to step up.

Here are some things to consider:

• Prices have always softened in the winter. As temperatures fall, bargain hunters will have bigger then usual opportunities.
  
• New homes likely to become scarce. Ian Shepherdson, chief United States economist for the research firm High Frequency Economics, said he believes that a steep drop-off in inventory of new homes is coming soon, thanks to a rapid decrease in home builder activity.
  
• Location. Location. Location. Buying the best-priced house in a really good neighborhood is still smart.
• 
  Will values go up? You may have to live in a house for 10 years, but over time, buyers will almost certainly make money.

(courtesy The New York Times 12.5.08)

Most Affordable Cities for Families

Families earning the median income in some of Americas largest cities don’t earn enough to pay for much more than basic needs, according to Forbes magazines analysis of data from the Economic Policy Institute and the U.S. Census Bureau.In other cities, annual costs for the basics are much lower, giving families a cushion for emergencies and the ability to enjoy some extras. Here are the most family-friendly cities, using basic living expenses as a percentage of income

San Jose, Calif. , 55 percent
Austin, Texas, 64 percent
Kansas City, Mo. 67 percent
Salt Lake City, 68 percent
Baltimore, 68 percent
Detroit, 68 percent
San Francisco, 68 percent
Seattle, 70 percent
St. Louis, 71 percent
Chicago, 72 percent

Friday's Lesson....

Friday's Lesson of the day....
Just BUY new curtains!!

My curtains needed to be cleaned so I decided to take them to the dry cleaners. Now, my initial reaction was to just toss them and go to Target and get new ones. (I'm sure that's where they were from anyway!). BUT, I convinced myself that that was being wasteful and I needed to just get them cleaned. And of course instead of looking through my coupon book (which I typically do), I just went to the closest place (between my house and office) so they'd GET THERE! Well, I picked them up yesterday for $35!! I think they probably cost around $30 at Target. So, the moral of the story...

BUY NEW CURTAINS...DON'T DRY CLEAN THEM!

(hey, at least I can pass this lesson along and someone else will learn!)

Negative, Negative, Negative....can we PLEASE be positive!!

Is anyone else sick of all the NEGATIVE political ads! I can't wait for this election to be over...for a number of reasons! I am soooo sick of all the negative ads. How exciting would it be to have an election that only had POSITIVE ads. I guess either way this will all (hopefully) be over tomorrow and no matter what your beliefs, we will make history this year! (which is pretty darn cool!!!) Oh, and I learned that we have MANY more ads than other states (my friend Laci in Texas told me that when she was in town this weekend)

In an effort positive, I'm going to let you know a few things I'm thankful for....
- That I have great friends (who don't freak out when I accidently back into their cars...thanks Jen!)
- That I have some of the coolest clients. I'm invited to weddings, baby showers & birthdays, called when they learn they are adopting, etc. I am very proud to say that many of my clients are now my friends!!
- That it is Nov 3rd and we have AWESOME weather!! I love the warm weather!!!
- That the damage to my car is minimal and can be easily fixed! (need an autobody shop...try Fineline Restoration - finelinekc.com)
- Did I mention the weather is nice??
- That I may sell some of my mosaics! Yeah for making $$ on a hobby!!
- My new office is great!

...ok, I'm sure there are many many more things that make me happy (one of my friends swears I'm always happy...hey, you gotta fake it til you make it, right??) but that's enough for now. I need to go get a few things done!

Well, don't forget to vote tomorrow. I'm hopeful that I won't have to stand in line for hours...I'm trying to be optomistic...though some may say it's just plain DENIAL! haha. Either way, I'm going to go and stand in line...and probably make a few new friends along the way :)

Happy Monday!

Home Sales RISE!!! (yes, you read that right...and in the MIDWEST!!)

*This is from the NAR (National Association of Realtors). Please note they speak POSITIVE of Kansas & Missouri!!! YEAH!!!*

Existing-home sales increased last month as buyers responded to improved housing affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – rose 5.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.18 million units in September from a level of 4.91 million in August. Home sales are 1.4 percent higher than the 5.11 million-unit pace in September 2007.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said more markets are seeing year-over-year gains.

“The sales turnaround which began in California several months ago is broadening now to Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Rhode Island,” he says. “The South was hampered by much lower home sales in Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.”

NAR President Richard F. Gaylord says low home prices and low interest rates have helped attract buyers.

“This is the first time since November 2005 that home sales have been above year-ago levels,” Gaylord says. “Credit tightened at the end of September, but the improvement demonstrates that buyers who’ve been on the sidelines want to get into the market to make a long-term investment in their future.”

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.04 percent in September from 6.48 percent in August; the rate was 6.38 percent in September 2007.

Yun says there may still be market disruptions.

“The credit markets are not settled yet, although the mortgage market stabilized with the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac," Yun says. "Inventory remains high, and price declines are pressuring owners."

Yun says that an additional housing stimulus would stabilize prices more quickly and help bring faster stability to Wall Street.

"Removing the repayment feature on the [$7,500] first-time buyer tax credit and permanently raising loan limits would bring more buyers into the market and further reduce inventory,” Yun says.

A Closer Look at the Numbers
Total housing inventory: at the end of September fell 1.6 percent to 4.27 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.9-month supply at the current sales pace, down from a 10.6-month supply in August. This marks two consecutive monthly declines since inventories peaked in July.
National median existing-home price: $191,600 in September, for all housing types. That's down 9 percent from a year ago when the median was $210,500.

“Compared to a fairly small share of foreclosures or short sales a year ago, distressed sales are currently 35 to 40 percent of transactions," Yun says. "These are pulling the median price down because many are being sold at discounted prices. The current market is not being dominated by speculative investors. Rather, 80 percent of current buyers are purchasing a primary residence, which is a bit higher than historic norms.”

Single-family home sales: increased 6.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.62 million in September from a pace of 4.35 million in August, and are 3.8 percent above the 4.45 million-unit level a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $190,600 in September, which is 8.6 percent below September 2007.
Existing condominium and co-op sales: were unchanged at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 560,000 units in September, but are 15.7 percent below the 664,000-unit pace in September 2007. The median existing condo price was $199,400 in September, down 10.2 percent from a year ago.

By Region
Here's a breakdown across the country of existing-home in September:
West: sting-home sales in the West jumped 16.8 percent to an annual rate of 1.25 million in September, and are 34.4 percent higher than September 2007. Median price: $253,600, down 18.5 percent from a year ago.
Midwest: sales increased 4.4 percent to an annual pace of 1.19 million in September, but are 2.5 percent below a year ago. Median price: $152,500, which is 7.9 percent lower than September 2007.
South: sales rose 2.2 percent in September to a pace of 1.9 million but remain 7.8 percent below September 2007. Median price:$167,200, down 4.1 percent from a year ago.
Northeast: sales slipped 1.2 percent to an annual pace of 840,000 in September, and are 7.7 percent lower than a year ago. Median price: $246,800, down 5.4 percent from September 2007.

Cool Quotes to get you thinking, making you laugh...and just enjoy!

It seems every where you look there is a quote for something. I was in a training class last week and in our "success tracker" each section has it's own quote...and they are all great. My friend Ashley always has quotes at the bottom of her emails...and they are always great. So I thought I'd just share a few recent ones. If you have some you like, pass them along!

• "Sometimes the best things are right in front of you, it just takes some time to see them." - Gladys Knight
• "Sometimes in the einds of change we find out true direction" - Unknown
• "80% of the consequences flow from 20% of the causes. 80% of the results come from 20% of the effort and time." - Pareto's Law
• "A schedule defends from chaos and whim" - Annie Dillard
• "What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do" - Timothy Ferris
• "There is no such thing as a "self-made" man. We are made up of thousands of others." - George Burton Adams
• "Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe only exists because it is in relationship to everything else. Nothing exists in isolation." - Margaret Wheatley
• "The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes." - Dalai Lama
• "The system is the solution" - AT&T
• "Just set it and forget it!" - Ron Popeil
• "I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow." - Woodrow Wilson
• "Adults are always asking kids what they want to be when they grow up because they are looking for ideas!" - Paula Poundstone

Chiefs Game ....cheerleaders

Can you believe I've gone to TWO professional football games THIS season?? I'd only been to one in my life before this year! Crazy.

The Chiefs were having their first ever Chief's Cheerleaders reunion day. As many of you know, my friend Ashley has been a cheerleader on many professional teams. She is currently a Brigades Cheerleader but has done the Spurs, Mavericks and the Chiefs. She's very talented. Before meeting her I definitely believed the "stereotypes" of the "typical" cheerleader...but she has proven them wrong. I see how hard she practices for each performance. And let me tell ya, after going to her Brigade tryouts a few weeks ago...those are some fast moves!!

So, they decide to have this reunion. VERY unimpressive if you ask me. The girls are asked (via email) to come back. They must by their own ticket, if they'd like a "reunion shirt" they must pay for that, they have a tailgating tent but there is NOTHING at it (they could bring their own food and drinks), they go on the field before the game to take a picture (they are suppose to get this...we shall see) and they are suppose to mention that the girls are their during half time (which didn't happen). We left at the begining of the 4th quarter, so maybe they mentioned it after we left....but I doubt it. I think if you are going to have a reunion and try to get people to come, maybe you should actually ACT like you appreciate the hard work they did. The least they could have had was some food at the tent and acknowledgement of their existance.

....maybe next year.

Change is a good thing....

Well, as many of you know by now I have made a change! After 6 years with Reece & Nichols I have decided to switch to Re/Max State Line. I have nothing bad to say about Reece & Nichols - it's a great company. They have many tools for both clients and agents. But, I needed a change. I was in a rut and needed something to jump start me. I believe this change to Re/Max is just what I need. I went with a fellow co-worker, which has been a good thing. For those of you who (had the unfortunately "pleasure") were around me last week...It was a HARD week. I didn't realize how much stuff needed to be switched over and changed. Though, it gave me a good excuse/reason to contact all my friends, family & clients!!! I think I'm finally "back to normal" and ready to head feet first into things! There are a ton of things to learn and I'm excited about that. I believe Re/Max will prove to have just as many tools and resources as available at R&N (and probably most big R.E. companies for that matter).

I appreciate everyone's well wishes! I am excited for this new opportunity and can't wait to help you as a Re/Max agent!!! Don't forget to continue giving out my information to everyone you know...I LOVE referrals. If you need additional business cards, please let me know! And you can always call or email me! My new email is: jodi@jodidanziger.com

Thanks again for your continued support!
Jodi

Boulevard Brewery Tour

No, I am not a beer drinker! You might think that since I've now gone to my SECOND brewery tour in a few months time. I promise, I am just experiencing this great city :)

Last week (after making reservations a month ago), I went to the Boulevard Brewery tour. It was great. It's a very small brewery (especially after going to Anheuser Busch Brewery which is blocks long!), but still makes a good amount of beer! We watched a video then went out the tour of the newer side. Hopefully in the next few weeks they will be brewing there. It is the second biggest in the state and in the top 25 of micro breweries (I don't remember the exact stats). Check out: http://www.blvdbeer.com/beer.htm if you'd like to learn more.

Weather, Royals....

Is anyone else already sick of the cold weather? I guess I really am a summer girl. I'd much rather take the heat than this cold weather - you can always go inside to the air condition! Plus, with this fast weather change comes allergies and sickness. I know I was feeling it the end of last week. Somehow, I think I was able to fight off a sinus infection! YEAH ME!! I had one this time last year (though that I blame on the farm wedding...)

Went to the Royals game yesterday. A bit chilly, but good game - even though they lost. Great atmosphere. Hadn't been to the stadium in about two years - the new screen is AWESOME!! and I'm sure things will be even better when they finish all the construction. I guess they are lucky we don't have a sold out crowd! haha.

On a Real Estate Note....the media is starting to be nicer to us, YEAH! Now we just need buyers to GET OUT THERE AND BUY!! July's stats came out a week ago and house sales are INCREASING!!! YEAH!!! That's a GREAT thing for everyone (not just Realtors!) Soooo, tell everyone you know to buy...and use me :)

Happy September and have a GREAT week!

ps. Rain Rain go away!!!

Enjoy the Simple Things

My friend Amy sent me this link today and I think everyone should check it out. It's just ONE minute of motivation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

http://www.motivationinaminute.com/lpage/finding_joy.php?MIAMSRC=NONE

Kansas City Chiefs

I've lived in Kansas City almost 8 years and have only been to ONE Chief's game. It was when I was still working at the Ad Agency and they let me use one of their seats. I couldn't even tell you who the Chief's were playing, just that it was pretty cold and I was not dressed appropriately!!

My friend Tina & her husband have season tickets to the Chiefs and invited me to go along to the second (and final) home pre-season game vs (go figure) the St Louis Rams. Since I am not a big football fan (my trainer/friend Brandon says he's going to explain it to me) I really have no alliance...and I KNOW how serious Chief's fans can be! I wasn't about to go into the stadium in Rams gear - not that I own any. Instead, I went out and got a cool pink Chiefs shirt. (I just got a cool pink jeweled KC hat and wanted to wear it...hello, red & pink clash people!). So, we go to the game and get their early enough for a little tailgating. It's starting to spit so we decide to go in. We got in JUST IN TIME!! Just as they scanned our tickets the downpour happened!!! We went and got an additional rain slicker and just stood and watched the rain pour down....and then start hailing!!! It settled down and we went to our seats. Then again, it started pouring. This happened two times before the game finally started (not only was there rain, but there was lightening so they game was postponed). We made it through half-time and during the third quarter we went for a bathroom break and snacks. We turned around and it was pouring again!! Tina decided that was enough and we headed home. BUT, the CHIEFS WON!! They promised to take me back to another game (probably colder) but hopefully not as wet! I did have a good time. I guess none of the good players were playing...but how would I know?!

Hey, it was another location to add to my Kansas City Stay-cation!!! I'm loving this! If this is what it takes to finally experience the city I live in, then I'll do it!!

AND remember, I am STILL WORKING....so please help me stay busy and send your friends and family my way!! :)

A long, but fun weekend!

Well, I'm back in Kansas City!! My Kansas City Stay-cation did include a trip across the state to experience St Louis.

...but before St Louis.

Thursday my cousin and I had a pretty relaxing day (at least compared to the action packed day on Wednesday). We had lunch at one of my new favorite spots - Ingredients with my friend Meredith (she too LOVES that place) and her cousin. I then took my cousin out to the Legends to shop and look around. After we went to the gym to work out with my trainer Brandon - even though she did gymnastics throughout high school and college, she'd never worked out with a trainer. It was fun...but tiring. Thursday night we went with a bunch of friends to the Power & Light Districts KC Live.

Friday we got on the road and headed to St Louis to see the rest of the family!! We had dinner with the parents then went to my brother's friends birthday party. It was a major culture shock for my cousin. For those of you who don't know, I went to a predominantly black highschool. We went to a ghetto club Friday night - I think there were two or three other white people (that's not counting me, my cousin and my brother!) haha. We were fine and I never felt unsafe. I had a few friends from highschool come out with us.

Saturday after sleeping in we went on the Anheuser Busch Tour - I'd never been!! (yes, I know I'm from St Louis). It was actually pretty cool. It was over an hour and you went all over the property which spans quit an area. They have these HUGE "tanks" of beer that to empty you'd have to drink a six pack of beer every hour for 137 years!! That's a lot! After the tour we went to the arch. Unfortunately, we were running very late and they didn't tell us it would take us 30min in line to get to the top. By the time we got to the top, not only were we MAJORLY running late, but it was pouring!!! So we didn't even get to see the awesome view of the city!! When we left, it was still pouring so we were SOAKING wet by the time we got to the car. And the funny thing, the rest of the city didn't get a drop!!!! Saturday night my friend Ashley came in from Kansas City and we all went to HOME in Ameristar. It was fun.

Sunday Crescent left - I already miss her! We had soooo much fun. Sunday afternoon Ashley, Justin (my brother's best friend aka my favorite brother) and I went to the Cards game. We had AWESOME seats - you could see the whole stadium! (thanks Diane!) AND...the Cardinals won!! Ashley and I got back to Kansas City around 1030pm last night.

Needless to say, I'm super tired but had an AWESOME week!!!

Jodi

College Basketball Experience, You Say Tomato, Hallmark....

My cousin made it to town on Tuesday! I'm so excited she's hear! It's been almost a year since I saw her...she's NEVER been to Kansas City and she hasn't been to St Louis for probably 14 years! She needs to experience a little of the midwest!! (she's from New Jersey! - accent and all!)

Tuesday night I took her to one of my favorite BBQ places - Oklahoma Joes...or as I kindly refer to it - the gas station bbq. It's AWESOME! If you've never been, you MUST go. And you have to go to the original location (about 47th & Mission). They do have a new location in Olathe...but it's about the atmosphere! And you must get the fries - they are big enough to split a minimum of two ways! She of course loved it!!

Wednesday we met up with Robert & Joseph (fellow Realtors) and Liz (gym friend) and went to the college basketball experience at the Sprint Center. Oh my gosh, did we have fun!! It's completely interactive so bring your tennies and be ready to sweat! We did!! It wasn't busy, so it was great. (I don't think we would have had as much fun if we stood in line...so go during the week!). After we all went to You Say Tomato (thanks for the suggestion Amy) for lunch. It was really tasty! The guys left us and us girls went to the Hallmark Visitor Center (I didn't even know it existed!!). We did a self tour and got to see how the cards get the embossing. Plus we got to see how a bow is made and got to take one home! Yeah free samples!!!

After our activities we went to the gym. The pilates reformer girl wanted to do demos...and since neither of us had done it before we were game. It was fun....though we are both slightly feeling it! For dinner we went to Sakura - or as my friend Erin calls it, the Sushi Train. It's at 75th & Neiman and you can sit at this circular bar area and sushi comes around on a train (yes, it says Amtrak on the front) and you can pick the ones you want. It's a great way to sample different kinds and it's VERY reasonably priced!!!

Today is a little more low key with relaxing stuff...and tomorrow we head to St Louis so we can see the rest of my fam.

Have a great week!
Jodi

T-Bones Game

I experienced another first on Friday night -- a T-bones game!! A bunch of people in my office got together and we went out to the stadium to watch a game. It's a much smaller stadium that major league, so you are VERY close to the action which is cool. The team did not play well (that's putting it nicely). They got creamed!! (and we didn't even stay til the end). It was college night, so fans were suppose to wear their favorite teams shirt -- OF COURSE I had on my KU shirt!! During each inning that did a "game" with members from the croud who supported the various teams (KU, MU, KSU). I am proud to report that KU won almost all the events - not surprising.

I was told the stadium as some of the best food, but I didn't really walk around too much. I found the closest "snack area" and got a hotdog and peanuts...I mean, it was a baseball game!!!

I will say it was a great night for baseball!!

I'm getting really excited b/c my cousin Crescent comes to town THIS Tuesday!!! She just turned 24. I haven't seen her in almost a year, she's NEVER been to KC, hasn't been to STL in probably 13+ yrs (we head there Friday) and we've NEVER had just cousin time!! I'm so pumped! I've got a FULL day planned for her Wed in KC...not as much scheduled Thurs (but she will work out with me!!) then Fri we head to STL to see the rest of the fam.

Yummy Food & Text Messaging

Hopefully everyone's week is starting off great. I'm trying to get better about posting blogs. Yeah me. haha.

So last night I went to a new restaurant - (in gre di ent) (there are some dots and dashes in there by my computer doesn't have that...or maybe I just don't know how to find them). Anyway, it's in the new section of Town Center on the back side. I met some of the girls from my old ABWA group there (kind of another story, but we all dropped out b/c it wasn't the kind of networking we needed...it really wasn't any networking). It was really good! They have salads, sandwiches, wraps and pizza. You can pick one of their salads or create your own. I had a 1/2 sandwich of the day with a 1/2 salad. Very good. Then the girls MADE me get with them these dough things that were VERY good. (Don't worry, I'll be working out extra long today....you can join me if you'd like) I highly reccomend it. Turns out there is also one in Lawrence! (pretty reasonably priced as well!)

Text Messaging. At first I thought this was silly...why are kids doing this 24/7. Just call! But, I've found that there are plenty of times that it's MUCH easier to text than call (or email for that matter). And from my last Sprint bill, it's apparent, that I too have caught the "text messaging bug". (don't worry, I have since added unlimited texts - thanks Devin!) So, I was looking through my Women in Business Magazine (probably my last since I didn't renew with ABWA - American Business Women's Association) and there is an article titled "Six Top Reasons To Use Text Messaging In Your Business" Right on!! I think Devin (my favorite Sprint guy) was my friend client I texted, but I have had a few since. It's a quick and easy way to make sure things get done. Most of the article is for business (lke restaurants, dry cleaners, etc) who can collect names & numbers and send group texts to alert about deals/sales/etc. But, I was just so happy to see this article. In my business many people think that in order to "touch" a client you must call or talk in person. I don't agree...and I think most of my clients are on the same page as I am. I think (or at least hope) that many of them are just as satisfied with a quick email or text from me. My thinking is....if I email or text them, they can respond when it's convenient for THEM...not on my schedule! If I call, I might be calling at a time that doesn't work for them.

Have a great rest of the week!
Jodi

Race For The Cure!

Sunday, August 10th I did the Kansas City Race for the Cure. It starts and ends at Union Station. I've done it in the past, but it's been quite a few years. It is of course a great cause! My grandma is a breast cancer survivor (in additon to many many other great women ...and men). I went with the girls in my weigh watchers group. We did the 3 mile walk. I think there were over 25,000 people there!! It was so great to see so many people out there for such a great cause!

Sunday afternoon my friend Ashley & I went to the send off open house for Miss Teen Kansas! She's the daughter of a friend! She leaves Tuesday for the competition at the end of the week -- good luck Jessie!!!

On a side note. Many of you know I'm in a major workout mode. I typically work out 6 days a week and I LOVE it! I love how I feel and I love all the great people I've met at my gym (Prairie Life Center in Overland Park.). Last week I took yoga. I was a little bored, but it was such a great stretch...I'm going to try and add it to my weekly routine. The only hard part is that typically Sunday is my day off! But the teacher is great and helps me do all the poses correctly!

Busy Week Exploring Kansas City!

Well...this is going to be a LONG post, b/c it's been a busy week exploring Kansas City!!!

For those of you who know me well, you know that I have NO attention span. Therefore, in order to visit the museums, I need to go with a small child who's attention span is similar to mine! I'm in luck, my friend Jen's daughter Addi is almost 8. And, Emma, her cousin who's almost 14 was in town this week....so it was a good chance to show off the city to an out-of-towner as well!

Thursday (Aug 7th) the three of us started our tour. We went to the Kemper Art Museum. It's VERY small - just two rooms. They have this rubber tire exhibit going on right now. It's pretty neat, but they are a little up tight there and we got "yelled" at within minutes of arriving b/c Addi was too close. Seriously, what is an 8 year old going to do to harm old tires??? I don't all three of us could have knocked over the display! It's a pretty quick museum to tour.

We left the museum and decided to run into Pryde's in Westport. I've never been and heard it's great. For those of you not familiar with it, it's a cute little shop that has a little of everything, but I'd say specializes in Kitchen gadgets and garden accessories. Way cute. It was also lunch time, and Addi was craving a burger, so we went to Blanc in Westport. It's a gourmet Burger & Soda shop. I HIGHLY recommend it. They have some great burgers and awesome sweet potato fries! They have a ton of unique sodas in bottles to choose from. Emma was the adverturous one of us and got a peach soda!

After lunch we headed to the Nelson Atkins Art Museum. Yes, I know I've living in Kansas City 7 years and should have been by now....but I haven't. My favorite part was the first room with all the tea pots and such. I like art, but I'm not one to stare and need explanations of what the artist was thinking - I told you...I went with kids for a reason!!!

Later Thursday night we met up with Jen and all four of us went to Theatre in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park. They were doing the play Titanic. It was a great production, but unfortunately none of us really got into the play....so we left early. I do believe I would have been able to sit through Beauty & The Beast or some of the others they had this summer.... it was an experience!

Friday afternoon was probably my favorite thing so far!!! Addi, Emma, Liz (from the gym), Ted (Liz's son) and three of my co-stay-cationers: Robert, Joseph, Pam & I all went out to Powell Gardens for the first day of the Butterfly Exhibit. Talk about cool!! I'd never been out there before (yes, I'm sure you are all surprised by this)...and I'll admit I'm not sure it would be as much fun without the butterflies. We started with one "area" of butterflies. There were a ton of catepillars around as well -- getting ready for the transition. We went on to make butterfly wings and antenna (yes, I did make & wear antenna). We walked around the grounds looking at all the beautiful flowers, ponds and statues. It was gorgeous...but getting warm. So we went into the "main exhibit" area. Oh my gosh, there were sooo many butterflies. They were big and beautiful. I even had one land on my back. We got some great pics! My favorite comment came from Ted. I had a butterfly on my back and everyone was around taking pics of it (and telling me not to move). Ted comes up to me and says "Jodi!! There's a butterfly on your back!!" Kids are funny. After the kids (and Robert) painted pots before we headed home. I HIGHLY recommend you going to this exhibit while it's in town (I believe another week!)

Today I did a "mini" activity. Ashley & I went to Independence, MO to the Corvette show. She's a big fan and didn't want to go alone. And we all know I'm there for my friends :) It was actually pretty cool. I'm not a huge corvette fan, but I'll tell ya, some of them were nice...and you wouldn't believe much time & money went into some of the engines! Wow. We ate lunch at this cute little German restaurant in the square. Very good.

Tomorrow I am doing the Susan G Koman Race of the Cure! I haven't done it in years, so I'm pretty excited. I'm joining two of the gals from my weight watchers group (yeah activity points!) Then I'm going to a send off party for Miss Teen Kansas! I'll let you know about both of those.

My cousin Crescent will be in town the week of the 19th, so I'll be doing a lot that week...I've gotta show her around KC before I show her around STL!! ....oh yes...and the T-Bones game next week... Can you tell I'm excited about all this??

On a final note....check out www.inkkc.com I saw it advertised on tv and you can also pick up the printed version (I found it at HyVee). It has a lot of fun stuff going on around the area!

Here's till next time!! Remember, I'm always looking for people to stay-cation with....and of course sell homes to :)

Jodi

End of July - 2008

Hello. Well, I wrote my first blog then things got a little crazy. As many of you know, my grandfather passes away a few weeks ago. It was completely expected, but still hard when it happens. That kind of threw a loop in my schedule and caused me to be out of town for a week. It was nice spending time with family, but it was a little long. I also ended up spending my 30th birthday in Madison, Wisconsin - it was the day after the funeral. I didn't want to fly home on my birthday!!

I'm not sure if they are necessarily "stay-cation" activities, but I did experience a new place....The VooDoo Lounge at Harrah's Casino. My friend Ashley threw me one of the best VIP parties ever for my 30th birthday! I have never had more fun! I had a bunch of friends come and even my brother drove in from St Louis! I had a great time!!! My co-workers also had a lunch for me the following week to celebrate and they had a cake with my business picture on it! It was so cute! (When I figure out how to attach pictures, I'll attach it!)

I plan on getting back on my stay-cation activities soon. I have a few things planned in August. It helps that my cousin will be in town from New Jersey and I want to show her around! I already have plans to take her to the College Basketball Experience & the Boulevard Tour. I'm sure we will go other places as well!! She's never been here!

Hope everyone is having a great summer...I can't believe it's almost August!

oh, and today's is Abby's 2nd birthday! :)

Kansas City Stay-Cation

Hello!!

Well, here's my first attempt at a blog! I'm excited.

As you know, I am taking a stay-cation this year. I am going to (finally) see some of the sites of Kansas City!! I guess I should also explain how this all got started. I meet with a few fellow Realtors every Wednesday morning for an "accountability" meeting. We call ourselves NINJA's after a group of agents in Colorado who started the idea of holding each other accountable, positive thinking....kind of like "The Secret"...but before it was popular.

My Stay-cation has started off GREAT!! I decided to start June 20th - the official day of summer, which also happened to be "take your dog to work day." And YES, that is a REAL day...not "Jodi created!" The girls had a GREAT time at the office. They greated clients and ran around making sure everyone was busying.



The weekend of June 28th-29th was busy! Saturday, June 28th my friend Jen and I went down to the Power & Light District for their first art fair. It was great! There were some great artist from all over - and I even found a few things I "needed." Sunday, June 29th, I met some of my fellow Realtors (they are the reason for the stay-cation) at the Duck Derby on the Plaza. I'd never been before. It was fun....and thankfully the ducks moved faster than I thought they would! There were a ton of people and even a performance by the Marching Cobras. (If you've never seen them - they are a band of kids - they are AWESOME!)

July 4th I met with my fellow Realtors and we went down to the Crossroads district and First Friday's. We went into all the great galleries. After we spent July 4th night on the roof of one of the cities fabulous condos watching fireworks from all over the city. I think we had one of the BEST views around!!

I've got a few other things scheduled and some other ideas, but I am ALWAYS looking for ideas...and people to stay-cation with!!

Let me know if you'd like to join me for anything!!

Here's to a great summer in KC!!
Jodi