Real Estate!

I am in the process of finding a home to purchase. It has taken me awhile to come to the decision to purchase something either a condo or a single family house. The market is supposedly good for buyers but not that good for sellers. A friend recommended a broker and I should be all set since I have been pre-approved for a mortgage. Easy.

Not at all. There is so much to consider every step of the way. Not only the space itself, the outside space, and the neighborhood but there are things like insurance, taxes home repair that is also a factor.

St. Petersburg is a peninsula with a peninsula. Space is limited and since it is rather posh in comparison to other parts of Tampa Bay the price tags aren't quite as friendly as you may think. Between the realtor, the broker, and overwhelming amount of emailing the entire process is exhausting. Offers made and denied. Things faxed, signed and refaxed. A bit stressful the whole thing because at the end, the hope and the fear is that I will be several thousand dollars in debit but be in a space that is my very own. Me and my ulcer will be warm and cozy.

Futbol

"Football" by Gaby Dellal
http://www.atomfilms.com/film/football.jsp

Between this short flick and the Zidane movie it is clear that there are those individuals in the world that do actually receive some sort of "calling." From the moment they can walk they become obsessed with footy. Their minds are always watching the proverbial ball in any given moment and on the real and actual field their are like magic becoming apparent. It is absolutely intoxicating how their lives evolve through the journey of the touch of a cylindrical object with geometric designs spattered upon it. No matter what the moment or the obstacle their hearts have been ignited with the passion for the game. This very well may be why it is deemed the beautiful game. Despite the clear obliteration of boundaries constructed by language or geo-politics the game touches the inner most parts of being human. The rhythm alone is mind bending. To me this short film is the incarnation of what passion is and even in the most egocentric moments of the Zidane movie it as well displays the same. In some ways I could claim that is where I can find the love for the game is through the eyes of those players putting aside little league, my dad, Schwaab, or any other influence of soccer in my life. It is in the simple childhood play of even the kids in the redundant world cup nike commercial that I somehow connect to a feeling that is certainly at the depth of something so much larger than any of us...the game itself.

St. Petersburg versus Tampa

It has come to my attention that many individuals that are new to the area are not properly informed about the richness of the Tampa Bay area. Specifically, the hot spots, the highs (St. Pete) and the lows (Tampa) of the greater community. As native Floridian, a Tampa Bay resident, St. a Petersburgian, if you will I am an ambassador for the tourist and the new arrivals. I will guide you into developing an understanding of what the area has to offer and sense of belonging.

Below is just a quick overview of what each city has to offer. You may also refer to a local eatery and pub reviews from past posts but don't worry there will be more to come.

St. Petersburg	Tampa
Downtown is filled with great pubs, cafes, waterfront and tasty restaurants.	There are some buildings downtown.
The beach is beautiful and 10 minutes away from any where in the city.	There is a nasty river and some coastline by the Courtney Campbell but that is really about it.
The Dali Museum (One of two on the entire planet!)	There may be some art…
State Theater, Beach Theater, Jannus Landing…all particular venues for either cool musicians or indie flicks	Okay so they have Tampa Theater which is pretty cool.
There are many beautiful public parks like Lake Vista, Crescent Lake, Straub Park or Northshore where people go to picnic, walk their dogs, or lay on the lawn and read a book.	There may be some parks some where…
Parades…for just about everything. Gay Pride, MLK, Memorial Day, are a few.	There may be some marching some where…
People are nice and laid back.	People are weird.

Tired

Real life is pretty darn tiring. I took a 3 hour nap today and I am still a bit tired. I would write more now but my eyes are too tired to focus. I could use the word tired one more time too. Jesus this very well may be the worst post ever.