Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
This is my second day of having a bug. Not the type Larry Cragun likes! I’m sick at home. Luckily, I’m usually pretty healthy. When I’m not feeling at my best, I don’t know why, but I like to stretch out on the couch and fall asleep watching something stupid on the TV. I was just getting ready to take a cat nap…and I see one of my cat’s (we have three) has beat me to my spot on the sofa.
Thelma is almost the size of my Pug. I think I’ll let her have the couch…for now.
My husband and I received a wedding gift to stay at the Inn at El Gaucho in the Bell Town district of Seattle. Saturday night, we had tickets to see Greg Brown and Bo Ramsey at the Moore Theatre, so we decided to use our present.
Since we were staying there, we also made reservations for dinner prior to our show. I have to tell you, I was so impressed with the service. The food was outstanding too. We had the New York for Two–prepared perfectly. It’s not cheap–but hey, we don’t go out much and the room was paid for!
We caught a cab to the show at the Moore. The Moore Theatre was built in 1907 and is the oldest remaining theater in Seattle. It is certainly not as flashy as The Paramount and is in need of some TLC. Regardless, the Moore is an amazing venue.
We had the fortune to see Greg Brown and Bo Ramsey at the Tractor Tavern a few years ago. That was an incredible concert. Greg made you feel like he was long time old friend and was very interactive with the crowd. His performance then was passionate and lively. I probably went into this concert with too high of expectations because this show seemed to be lacking that. It was a bit disconnected and, although he is very talented and has a one of a kind voice, it appeared to me that he just wanted to get the gig down and call it a night.
We walked back to El Gaucho and finished our evening with a flaming Spanish Coffee. The photo above I snapped with my Treo from our suite, is of The Cyclops bar (it’s a blinking neon eye). While relaxing in our room, I had a chance to read Seattle Metropolitan Magazine’s list of the Top 10 Neighborhoods…click here to read more.
We should go out more often!
The March of the Librarians takes place in Seattle’s new library. This documentary reveals what happens when 10,000 librarians gather for an American Library Association convention. I just had to share!
What a game! I love baseball. Speaking of the Mariners. Last week, I was 
pleasantly surprised by a gift. Someone shipped a very nice Mariner’s blanket to me. I’m assuming for my birthday…. However, there was no card and no one has claimed this kind act.
A mystery present! It makes watching the M’s whomp the A’s all the sweeter! 😉
This April Fools is my first anniversary with my husband, Rob. We were married in St. Helena, California at Harvest Inn near Napa. We were suppose to have an outdoor ceremony next to vineyards. However, due to rain (I guess it followed us) we were married indoors underneath an "exit" sign. I was thankful Rob didn’t look up and read the sign. He could have bolted for the door!
April Fools also marks my first day in the mortgage business. I "retired" from fourteen years in title and escrow industry and began my mortgage career at Mortgage Master seven years ago. I must admit, I was hesitant to become a Mortgage Planner. In the title and escrow business, you typically spend an hour with the consumer towards the end of transaction when they’re signing. Often times, the buyer or seller may be feeling pressure even under the most ideal transactions. Buying or selling a home is not something most people do everyday and there is a lot of money at stake.
I also did not have the have the highest opinion of loan originators. A majority of the borrowers that I would sign did not understand their loan program and would expect escrow to explain it (this needs to be done by the Loan Originator well before your signing loan documents).
I have learned so much in these past seven years. It’s incredible. And of course, the industry continues to evolve and new programs and products emerge. My father in law, Bob, is Chairman of Mortgage Master and retired in his young 70’s just a few years ago! This is a wonderful career. I’ve had the opportunity to help hundreds of families with buying homes, restructuring their mortgages and debts or financing their goals. If I have my way, I’ll have my mortgage practice as long as Bob did (he still receives phone calls from clients).
I guess I take some pretty crazy leaps on the first day of April! Maybe this year, I’ll try bungee jumping or sky diving?
They did it…my family and friends SURPRISED me on my birthday! Not only did they throw a wonderful party…JP Patches, my childhood hero, was there.
I decided to take Friday off from work and blogging. All I wanted to do (to my husband’s dismay) was stay at home and work in the garden. Last Friday, it was beautiful out! My sister in law tricked me into a pedicure at Southcenter and forced me to have a margarita and an appetizer with her at Bahama Breeze (hey, how come I’m not sensing any sympathy from my readers?). I just wanted to get home and watch the sunset–relax! Plus, my husband and son were going to treat me to a nice dinner. NOT!!!
I should also mention…I believe in my quarterly newsletter, I printed that JP was not doing public appearances any more. This is not true. This was a story my husband had told me when we went to Fremont to see the unveiling of JP and Gertrude’s statue to trick me since he knew I’ve always wanted a JP Patches birthday party. Please do hire JP and be sure to buy a Patches Paver to help fund his statue and support Children’s Hospital.
This was such a treat. Cheers to JP, my husband, family and friends. Thank so much for making this a birthday I’ll never forget and will always cherish. Filed Under: Just for Fun
Happy Friday… need a hug?
After too much subprime news… I thought I try to spread some happiness in the bloggo-sphere. I first saw this video thanks to fellow CMPS, Todd Ballenger.
The Free Hugs Campaign is nothing short of inspirational and a great way to start your weekend! Feel free to pass this along and share the love with those you care about.
Peace out.
It really is my birthday today. And so… I am taking the day off… off of work and off far far away from the blogs.
I’m going to have my cake and eat it too!
And yes, that’s me! At the old (um…maybe I shouldn’t say "old") Lake Washington Park in beautiful Renton, Washington (my home town).
The building in the background is no longer there…once Boeing. Now I believe there are some nice condo’s in it’s place.
It looks like I’m trying to calculate an APR in my head! Future Mortgage Planner. I’m not sure how young I am in this photo… but I will count this as a "Happy Friday" post.
Cheers, Friends!
Rhonda Porter is a Licensed Mortgage Originator MLO121324 living in the greater Seattle area. Rhonda began her career in 1986 in the title and escrow industry and began her mortgage career in 2000. She enjoys helping people understand the mortgage process and started writing The Mortgage Porter in late 2006. Read More…
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