Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Nella Vita Di Civic Preservation


Back in May, I applied for a seat on Albemarle County's Historic Preservation Committee. I had been feeling a bit disconnected from the pres world since I've been so engrossed in planning, affordable housing, and grants since grad school and work, so I was looking for a way to get back to my historic roots. Not at all to sound vain, but seeing as I was more than qualified (live beating heart and more than a fleeting interest in preservation) I was appointed to the Committee! I attended my first meeting yesterday. I admittedly was apprehensive about adding another government meeting to my plate, but this is for personal pleasure. It did take some getting used to though, I kept feeling like I should be taking minutes and did cringe when staff was asked to gather data before I remembered that for this committee, I am not staff. The main discussion for the evening was demolition, specifically how to know when they happen in rural areas, and how to record them before they are gone. I was mostly quiet, just hearing about the issue and trying to get a feel for the other members (ok, ok...I was silently judging the other members). Next month we're going to form subcommittee to tackle different issues and actions needed. I'll be sure to provide updates!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Nella Vita di Land-owning Gentry


This Wednesday, I gave myself an early B-day present…I bought a house! Well technically, I’ve already been living in the house and paying half the mortgage for a while now, but only recently has it become ‘mine.’ Shane and I refinanced his mortgage to a better rate, and in doing so my name was added to both the deed and the loan. I am now part of the elite class of land owning gentry! I’ve honestly felt that this was my home for almost two years, and have been working hard since that time to decorate and have it reflect both my and Shane’s personality. The greatest thing that I have gotten out of this is the sense of security that this is mine and no one can take it or make me leave. Except Shane that is, but if he tries I’m taking half of it with me!!