Would-be renters please take heed...

I'm a leasing agent and I know that many people would put me right up there with car salesmen, but it's my job. It's not a job I ever wanted, or a job I ever dreamed of. But it's my job. It pays the bills, keeps food on my table, clothes on my back, and a roof over my head. Today, that's something to be very grateful for and I am.

As a leasing agent I'd like to disperse a bit of knowledge and share some tips with would-be renters. I admit that this advice isn't only beneficial to prospective tenants. A smooth rental process is also beneficial for my sanity as a human being. So please, if you're looking to rent, take heed...

1. If you don't have money to rent an apartment or house then don't go hunting for a home. I can't barter with you and I can't donate one to you. Let's save both of ourselves some quality time.
2. If you're a creeper, can you just buy your own home please? I really don't want to be alone in an empty apartment or house with you--particularly in an unfinished basement of an old house. So either uncreep yourself, or just stay the heck away from me.
3. Sex offender? Hell to tha no. You will not rent from me. Sorry. Wait... No I'm not.
   
4. I do not need your life story. Let's keep it professional. Let's keep our convos short and and to the point.
   
5. When reviewing an availability list, do just that... Review it. Read over everything and come prepared.
   
6. If an apartment is noted as occupied, that means it's not vacant. If you don't know what either of those words--occupied and vacant--mean, look them up. Please. I beg you.
   
7. Do not come to an appointment thirty minutes early. You'll be waiting a long time and I'll be fuming for a long time. Trust me on this, five minutes is plenty early. Plenty. Early.
   
8. Do not come to an appointment thirty minutes late. You'll be lucky if you get to look at anything. You're better off to call and reschedule if you're going to be more than ten minutes late.
   
9. Make one appointment. So you want to look at a few apartments or houses? Great. I'm happy to show you. But I sure as heck do not want to show you the same exact properties multiple times. Make sure you and your roommate(s) can come together at the same time if you all want to see them. If you need measurements, remember to bring that tape measurer with you the first time so I don't have to escort you back there. Whatever it is that could possibly make you want/need to look at the same place twice, I would greatly appreciate it if you could get all of that organized for the first and hopefully last appointment.
   
10. Unless you're a first time renter, do not bring your mom and dad with you. Okay, that may be a bit harsh... How about... If you're over forty, don't bring your parents with you. You're an adult. You can make a decision.
    
11. If you have four kids or more, it'd be best if you didn't bring them with you on a tour. I love kids, I really do. But let's face it, some kids are not well behaved and if a home is occupied they can get into things. And that's not good. Not good at all.
    
12. Treat an appointment to tour homes like you would a job interview. Now I'm not saying you need to come in a suit, but it's always nice when I don't see your underwear and, you know, you're clean.
    
13. Speaking of clean... Keep it clean by watching your language. I swear, I do, but I don't do it around you so please don't drop the F-bomb in front of me. And definitely don't say, "I'll have to watch that step when I'm drunk! Ha ha." Seriously.
    
14. Use the bathroom before you go on a property tour. I once had a creeper use the bathroom of a vacant apartment and he left the door wide open, this was after he asked me out. So again, I plead with creepers to stay away.
15. If we're in an apartment or house, please don't plan where every piece of furniture would go for thirty minutes..especially when it's still occupied. I don't want to be in anyone's home longer than I need to be. It's plain awkward. And I don't mean to be rude, but I could really care less where your recliner would go.
    
16. Please, please, please don't hem and haw whether or not you and your significant other, or roommate want to rent the apartment or home in front of me for thirty minutes while still in the home...especially when it's still occupied. Again, it's awkward. It's also infuriating. I have no say with your personal business. I also don't have the time (or patience) to listen when you're not even talking to me. I've got paperwork I could finish, people! Talk amongst yourselves and then let me know if you have any questions. I'd be happy to answer them at that time.
    
17. Don't lie. If you have bad credit, have been previously evicted, owe people money... Fess up to it. It's going to show up in your credit report anyway. So now not only are you a risk, you're also a liar. That's not a good one-two combo.
    
18. Fill out your application fully and clearly. If I have to hunt for needed information and try to decipher your chicken scratch, not only are you going to frustrate me--you're going to delay your pending approval.
19. When filling out an application, don't ever note that your reason for leaving your current residence is because your "ex was a whore". He or she may have been, but there's no point in sharing that information with me. Seriously. No point.
    
20. Do not put a deposit down unless you are 100% certain that you want to and can rent the apartment or house. Plain and simple.

There you have it. My twenty golden rules for a smooth rental process.

Why Not Minot?!

Dear Blog World,

So it's been a while since my last post and I have much to share...

After freaking out over the possibility of returning to my hometown in North Dakota I was presented with an opportunity that I could not refuse. Truly, I would be dumb if I did. I made the rational decision to commit to working as a Rental Agent for a year in Minot. I think it will be an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience and I'm looking forward to having a steady source of income. I started work a week and a half ago and am enjoying what I am doing. Pretty much, I am to showing houses and apartments what Vanna White is to turning letters.

Another plus for moving home is that my parents are fixing up a little Craftsman house that I will be able to inhabit for the year. Rent will be incredibly reasonable and it is going to be so much fun decorating my first place. The house is charming and has great character. I'm super stoked that I will have an office with old French doors and an art studio with big windows. I'm feeling very inspired to write, paint, and draw... I can't wait to get into my hizzouse!

Returning to the NoDak will also be beneficial in giving me time to evaluate where I am in my life and where I want to be. Once I get settled into a bit of a routine I can really focus on if I want to return to school and if so, pursue that whole-heartedly. I think that this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on and examine my passions, strengths, weaknesses, and dreams. I'm really trying to embrace my time spent here in Minot and grow as a person in every way I can.

Anywho... I'm a bit scatterbrained at the moment, so I will conclude here. The Giants are playing the Cowboys and I'm trying to pay attention to the game... Go Giants!

Many laughs and much love,
Annie

Find My Way

Sooo... My brother obtained a new job back in our hometown of Minot, ND. I'm extremely happy for him because it is a great opportunity that will enable him to get his foot firmly in the door of education. It will also be a nice break from his current job, which definitely tears at his heart from time to time being he works with emotionally disturbed youth. Finally, he'll be closer to our parental unit--something both he and my parents will enjoy.

I, on the other hand, am still unemployed and apparently turning into the black sheep of the family. And when my brother moves I'll be homeless since I live with him. Even worse, I'll be separated from my four legged nephew.

My beloved Butkus.

But worse yet, if I don't get my life in control I, too, will be moving back to Minot. If that were to happen I'd at least be close to Butkus, but truly that would not be my ideal living situation. I am proud of where I come from, but for a girl who dreams of NYC that would be a depressing step backwards.

There's nothing and no one there in Minot for me...

I'm just sooo completely frustrated and exhausted. I have shut down and I feel horrible for doing that because it's silly when there are people who are actually fighting their way through a true ordeal. I have no idea what I want to do, what I should do, and where I should be here and now in my life. I've never felt so lost, so alone. I've never felt so absurd. How do I not have a "real job"?! It's ridiculous on my part, I know.

I don't expect to have my dream job at twenty-three. Heck, I don't even know what exactly my dream job is because there is just so much I hope to do. But this world of business seems so petty. I guess I have my head in the clouds. Forgive me, I'm just not equipped for the real world. I never have had to "put myself out there" before and the thought of having to do so now is...is...slightly terrifying.

I want to be brave. I need to be brave.

I should backtrack because I do know what I want to do with my life... I want to write and paint and design my own cards and draw and craft a message. I want to create. And through my creations I want to reach people, touch their hearts, and impact them. I want to make a difference...


But how can I pursue all of that when I am broke? Money doesn't make the world go 'round, but it definitely helps one make her way around the world.

Please pray I find my way.

Transformation Proclamation

On May 21st of this year I made a sort of "transformation proclamation." I vowed to myself--and to friends--that from there on out, I would hold myself accountable for the person I am and strive to become the person I hope to be...the person I am meant to be. Alas, over a month later I haven't made a whole lot of progress. It's a difficult thing to do, transform, when your life needs improvements in every which way...

I've mainly been focusing on developing a career in order to become a financially stable and independent young woman. Unfortunately, I haven't received the response from employers that I hoped for and there just haven't been opportunities that I qualify for... It's entirely frustrating to feel inadequate when I know that I am intelligent, I am capable, I am someone of worth who has much to offer. But how do I get that to translate? That is the question and that is what I continue to work on so that one day soon, I can work.

Another area which I am hoping to improve in is that of my own personal health. I have been trying to eat healthier and have had some success, with the occasional setback. But I have been running and, for me, that is a huge accomplishment. Trust me, I'm not a natural born runner. However, I've actually surprised myself because I am kind of liking running. I like using my body because I want to take advantage of my physical abilities while they last and I want to become healthier. Plus, I really do love feeling the "good aches" because it means that I've found--and used--muscles I have neglected.

Finally a point of emphasis has been growing in my faith. I think it is very important to come know God because through Him, I'll come to know myself. He provides for me everyday and has blessed me in so many ways. I want nothing more than to bring glory to His name with my life--indeed, that is the reason behind my transformation. Even if I had some hot shot job, loads of cash, the nicest clothes, a sweet ride, a MTV Crib worthy home, yadda, yadda, yadda... Even if I had all of that, it would mean nothing without God. God brings meaning and purpose to my life.

So with that thought, I continue to pursue the "better me." Progress takes time and transformation is a daily task, but the reward is sooo worth it. The reward is a life truly lived, a life that will have mattered, and a life that leads to God.

"Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,
who lives in you and who was given to you by God?
You do not belong to yourselves but to God;
he bought you for a price.
So use your bodies for God's glory."
-1 Corinthians 6:19-20-

"The only accurate way to understand ourselves
is by what God is and by what he does for us."
-Romans 12:3-

"A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;
a God shaped life is a flourishing tree."
-Proverbs 11:28-

"Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world,
but let God transform you inwardly
by a complete change of your mind.
Then you will be able to know the will of God--
what is good and what is pleasing to Him and what is perfect."
-Romans 12:2-

To whom it may concern, a letter...

Dear Blog World,

So much has happened in the recent couple of months that there just isn't enough time to detail all of the major happenings in the news and in my own life. However, I'll try to skim... (The operative word being try.)

I wanted to congratulate Pat Summitt and the Tennessee Lady Vols on winning their 7th Women's National Basketball Championship. Even though I'm from the NoDak, the Lady Vols captured my heart. When I was in the eighth grade, phenom Chamique Holdsclaw led them to a perfect season as they crushed LaTech to win the championship. I've been in love with them ever since. But that was back in '98 and I was fearful during that span of 9 championship-less years that I was bad luck to Pat and her crew. I mean UConn won multiple titles for pity sake! Alas, I'm no jinx and UT has plenty of game...and current phenom, Candace Parker.

Unfortunately, their fabulous win was overshadowed by the idiotic and cruel remarks of Don Imus towards the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Tennessee's opponent). Those comments were, of course, completely uncalled for. Especially because when one has a hair-do like he does (a shaggy version of the Trump), one has no right to talk about anyone else's hair. Don, you're an old white guy...own it. Anywho... Vivian Stringer and her young team worked extremely hard in turning their season around in order to make it to the Final Four. They deserve tremendous credit for their play, as well as for the class they demonstrated throughout the Imus "situation."

It would be irresponsible of me not to at least mention the horrific shooting at Virginia Tech, but really I am at a loss for words... All I can say is that my thoughts, love, and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragedies of that April day. I know your lives are forever changed, but I sincerely hope you can heal and find peace.

There's no smooth, or appropriate transition from this topic to the next, so I'll just move on...

The beginning of May sent me on a quick trip to New York in order to interview for a job at an ad agency. I flew solo and wandered around the city with me, myself, and I...and my iPod. I also had the joyful opportunity of visiting one of my favorite nonprofits while I was there and that was truly a lovely treat. All and all it was a great experience, but I didn't obtain the job. I think it was for the best because the timing just wasn't right, but I was frustrated to learn the reason for not being hired. Apparently I was well-liked and regarded as intelligent and articulate, but I was too reticent. In other words, I didn't talk about myself enough. What can I say...? I'm from the Midwest, we don't like to draw attention to ourselves. But despite the frustration, it's a lesson learned and I'll know one area I can improve upon in the future.

After my trip to the East Coast I returned to North Dakota. I visited friends at UND and celebrated Springfest, which is a one day party in the park prior to finals. Fest-goers arise earlier than they normally would for school to enjoy breakfast and drink specials. They wear crazy and, more often than not, inappropriate shirts special for the occasion. And some--like a few of my friends--tie themselves together with bungee cords so as not to lose one another. Pretty much, they party. It's been known to get wild and so in recent years Springfest has been under tight security with alcohol restrictions (it used to be B.Y.O.B., but now has a beer garden). As long as no one burns anymore furniture we should be good.

Following my stint in Grand Forks I traveled back home to Minot for the first time since I moved to the Twin Cities. It was extremely nice to visit the parents and pooches. We headed to the lake for a few days, which was wonderful despite the fact that the weather wasn't the nicest. I was very happy to be able to spend Mother's Day with my momma. I was also happy to visit friends and family that I haven't seen for quite some time.

I returned to Minnesota after about a week and a half in the good ol' hometown. Awaiting me was my brother, his dog, and our dirty house. (A man's idea of clean is mind-boggling...) There's nothing like cleaning for two days straight only to have to re-clean it after a party, which was exactly what happened to me. But now that our home is back in order, I'm back to job hunting. It's work in and of itself, but hopefully it will pay off soon because I'm itching to do something more exciting than walk the dog (as much as I do enjoy a nice walk in the sunshine and fresh air). That and uh...I need to earn some money. I mean, someone has to buy groceries around here!

Anyway the upcoming days will be filled with the hunt and some fun. I have the honor of being a chaperon for a good family friend. The young lady, fresh out of her freshman year in high school, will be flying in to go to the Gwen Stefani concert and I am in charge of her stay in the Cities. I feel so adult...well, sort of.

Okay, this got long, didn't it? But I had a lot to talk about for two months time! And remember, I said I'd try to skim. Have a good one Blog World! God's blessings.

Many laughs and much love,
Annie

Hire Me: Communication Graduate Seeking Entry-Level Career Opportunity

Can someone please explain to me why an entry-level career requires two to three years of experience? I thought the whole point of an entry-level career was to gain experience. Apparently I'm wrong, very wrong. I'm also screwed because I do not have two to three years of experience for anything. How am I supposed to obtain a job? Help. Someone, anyone. Help me. Please. I'm a capable, hard working, intelligent individual. I've got to be good for something, dang it!

It can't be March already, can it?!

Well February certainly came and went, didn't it? Cripes. I only managed one posting? Oh well, I'm sure you (whoever you are) didn't mind. I have my reasons for not posting, however...

First of all, my days have been filled with work. I obtained a serving job at a restaurant in St. Paul. I wish that it was a bit closer to home for my gas guzzling truck's sake and for my wallet's benefit. I also wish that I earned more moolah, which is again for my wallet's benefit. While I'm making wishes here I should inform you that my biggest wish of all is that I had an actual career with an eight to five, Monday through Friday job complete with a nice salary and solid benefits package, paid vacation... Sigh. But even though it's not much, it is a job and I am thankful for that. I also enjoy the opportunity to interact with people. I'm so much more alive when I can make people happy. And though I realize that I can't live for others, for I live only for God, I can live so that others might live a happier life. Yeah, yeah I know that I'm only a waitress, but for the time being I can make the world a better place, one table at a time.

My other excuse for the lack o' blogging is extremely valid for I have not had a working computer for quite some time. My iBook officially died a couple of months ago after a long and hard fought battle. It's really my fault. I loved my iBook, but I tried to make an improvement to it which ended up being a terrible setback that it never fully recovered from. Excuse me, I just need a moment here... Okay, I've composed myself. So after the demise of my computer I turned to my brother's old school clam shell/toilet seat looking iBook. That was working a-ok, but then the battery died after the adapter broke. Thankfully my parents were nice enough to help us out with the purchase of a new battery and adapter; those two parts alone added up to a $250 bill. I'd love a brand spanking new, full loaded iBook, but being I couldn't even afford to foot that bill I'm sticking with sharing my brother's computer. Anyway, since I was without internet there was to be no blogging from me. I was going through withdrawals, but I think that an internet free life has been good for me. I had become too dependent, some might say addicted, to various legal and non-creepy internet activities (i.e. checking my Facebook and email, visiting my favorite sport and celebrity websites, watching random YouTube videos). Now I don't feel the urge to check my email thirty-two times a day. It's a good thing. However, I have been frequenting many car websites in search of an affordable, safe, and fuel efficient/environmentally friendly vehicle.

But I won't get started on that biznass because this is already an extremely long post. I guess I'm just trying to make up for lost time, but by doing that I'm taking up your time! So I'll end here with a "thanks for reading" and "have a fabulous day!"

Icebreaker

Hello there! I'm Annie. Pleased to meet you. I hail from the "Magic City."

Oh, sorry... You don't know where that is? Okay, okay. Well, I'm from Minot, North Dakota. "Why Not Minot," if you will.

Still don't know? Okay, um...

Yeah, Minot is the fourth largest city in the great state of North Dakota and is located north of our state capitol...

What's that? Bismarck, yes, Bismarck is the capitol of NoDak. Anyway, back to Minot...

Minot is also located to the west of the Geographic Center of the United States, which before you ask, is Rugby. And of course, North Dakota itself is north of South Dakota. Hey, don't give me a hard time about that either because no one makes fun of North and South Carolina and it's pretty much the same thing. Pff.

ANYWAY...

Minot is the home of the Magi, Josh Duhamel, the North Dakota State Fair, the Great Anhydrous Ammonia Spill of 2002, North America's largest Scandinavian festival (the Norsk Hostfest), and me.

I know what you're thinking... Yes, it's basically the shiznit.

But Minot is behind me now because I live in an even smaller town north of St. Paul, Minnesota. I like to call it The Boondocks. I came to Minnesota because I graduated from the University of North Dakota in May of 2006 and after a few months living with the parents it was time for me to become an adult and I had no where else to go. The only problem is... I'm still working on that adult thing. "Working" being a sort of ironic choice of word because I'm not working. Ha!

No, it's really not that funny. Not funny at all. I shouldn't laugh. It was a nervous laugh, but I shouldn't laugh because I need a job. Or as my brother puts it, a J-O-B.

Congratulations to him, by the way, for his superior spelling skills. Really, give him a round of applause.

But yeah, I'm a Job Hunter and I've got the camouflage and neon orange gear to prove it. Well, that's a lie; it's a joke. Ha ha. Anyway, since I'm jobless I prefer to call myself a Dreamer. Yup, it's my official non-official job title until I'm adult enough to earn a job title.

So until then, you can call me Annie. Annie, the funny girl from North Dakota who is a dreamer. That's me in a nut shell. Not an actual nut shell, but...

Oh, you get it.