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Career Musings on Labor Day

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It’s been a relaxing weekend for me so far…and it feels great!  I did work with some out of town buyers relocating to Kansas City, and took the girls shopping.   Tonight, we are having friends over for dinner, although it’s too hot and muggy to eat outside.  I’d like to visit the pool one last time.  This is the last holiday weekend until..Thanksgiving, at least for most folks who  don’t work for the government.

Feeling a bit lazy Saturday night, I started watching a Chris Rock concert on HBO.  I’m  a  fan of his humor. He’s very smart and sharp when it comes to composing his comedy bits  Like all good comics, he bases his humor on what he sees and feels about everyday life. At one point in the show, he started riffing about the difference between a job and a career.

Chris Rock

He started out by admitting he stupidly dropped out of high school  He got a job in the back of a fast food seafood restaurant, scraping shrimp off plates.  For hours and hours, he scraped, scraped, scraped those plates. And that job was the best he could do with his level of education at the time. He hated it.

Then, Chris started talking about his career.  As a comic, he works a lot, constantly coming up  with new material, searching for inspiration on new bits to develop, working in movies and as a stand-up comic.  Because he loves what he does for a living, he emphasized  this is his career, not only a job.  WIth a career, you are focused, determined, motivated to do better.  A job is just a way to earn a paycheck, and you can’t wait until your shift is over.

Inspired by Chris, I was thinking of my career as a real estate agent on this Labor Day.  In the beginning, it felt like just a job, but  without a regular paycheck.  I had to educate myself on various neighborhoods, contract documents, financing, attend inspections, learn how to market myself and my services. It was tedious, time consuming, and very little income. But I liked what I was doing, so I  worked long hours on my own little ‘start up’ business.  There were days in the beginning when I had nothing I had to do that day for my job, but I worked anyway.  There was so much to learn, and so I forced myself to soak up as much as I could about being a professional, knowledgeable agent–even though it would have been easier to just blow off the day and watch movies on the sofa. Eventually, I turned the job into a career.  When did that happen?   When I really started to enjoy what I was doing, when I felt this was a service I could provide to people and be proud of it. When I started learning from the mistakes, when I realized I was in control of the business.  When I felt a sense of accomplishment and appreciation from my clients.  When I had to work three days straight with one client but enjoyed their company so much, it was a bubbly mixture of work and interesting  conversations.

Now I still work long hours and am constantly trying to improve myself as an agent.  Keeping up with technology, new rules and regulations, recognizing the shifting needs of buyers and consoling sellers who can’t get what they want for their house–these challenges are ever present.   But like Chris, I really like what I do and have developed  my career.  Thankfully, it will never be just a job to me.

Where are the Mutt Mitts in Arbor Villa Park?

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Heavy sigh as I begin this post…it’s about the ‘mutt mitts’ (plastic bags for doggie waste) provided by the Armour Hills Homes Assn in Arbor Villa Park. At our board meeting last week, a resident stopped by wondering when the supply would be replenished.  Board member Tiffany Moore did some investigation as to why the box is frequently empty.

A resident who lives near the park orders the mitts and stocks  the dispenser.   Armour Hills has been spending about $4500 per year on these plastic baggies. A shipment of 6400 mitts lasts…just 6 to 8 weeks.   Yes, we have lots of dog lovers in Armour Hills, and I’m sure residents of other neighborhoods use our mitts when walking their pets.  But I doubt that every person walking by is taking just one mitt…it’s obvious some folks are taking hundreds of  mitts for their personal ‘stash’.

What to do?  This is an issue the board will have  to discuss.  We want to provide this service  for our residents, and the occasional non-Armour Hills homeowner is welcome to take one if necessary.  But it’s hard to justify a $4500 annual expense when it’s obvious some people are just helping themselves to as many mitts as they can take with them. There are approximately 1200 homes in our subdivision–if every single homeowner had a dog that was walked twice each day, there’s no way 6400 mitts could be used in eight weeks’ time!

I don’t have a dog.  But if I did, I would appreciate having the convenience of a mutt mitt dispenser in the park when needed.  I hope  this service does not have to be discontinued because of a few selfish people who are stealing the supply.  However, Armour Hills residents should not subsidize the cost of doggie waste bags for those who feel entitled to abuse the service.

She’s Leaving Brookside

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My first-born, Erin, is leaving home Saturday for Truman State University.  On my way to being an empty nester!  If you have a Facebook account..it seems like all of the postings the past few weeks are pictures of the college bound kids on their way out the door. This blog isn’t going to be about how much I’ll miss her, or advice I want to share with her..it’s about Erin leaving Brookside.  She’s spent here whole life here so far…how has it influenced her?

As Erin grew up, she realized what a special place this is…..she played in the nearby parks, biked the trail, friended the neighbors, babysat for families, attended  three different schools.  She learned to appreciate the uniqueness of the homes here, inside and out. (Whenever she would come home from visiting a new friend’s home, she would  tell me about it –the original charming features, the curb appeal, the lush finished basements.)  She enjoyed supporting locally owned businesses. Her first job was at The New Dime Store, and she always had stories about various customers and family friends that stopped by.  She learned a lot there about working with the public!

Erin at The New Dime Store

Of course she will ‘come home to Brookside’ for holidays and summers, but she won’t be really living here as before.  Her carefree childhood as a Brookside kid is over.   As she flies away, I know she will get a warm, nostalgic  feeling every time she drives back here through our streets, visiting with old  friends at  63rd and Brookside  for drinks, a meal or Foos Frozen Custard.   When she’s older, ready to choose her own home,  will she be influenced by her Brookside childhood?  Will she chose an urban, walkable, neighborhood full of older homes and locally owned restaurants and shops?  Will she want to come back and live in Brookside??

It’s a small community here, and Erin is leaving to explore the world.  Her Brookside roots will stay strong.  I know her Brookside home will always be with her, wherever in the world she ends up.

Street Work at E 68th and Main, Armour Hills

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What’s happening at the three intersections along Main St in Armour Hills, starting at E 68th Terrace and going north?  I stopped today and chatted with the workers to find out. (The City subcontracts this work).

Street Blockage Armour Hills

Apparently there are leaks in the main water valves under the street.  The homeowner at E 68th Terrace and Main reported the leak to the City over a year ago, according to the workers on site.  At the corner of E  68 and Main, a water valve was inserted. This work has nothing to do with the federally mandated sewer upgrade project.

Six Feet Under the Street!

It was interesting to peer inside the hole where the work is being done. ..yes, it’s about 6 feet under!  These pipes are the original cast steel pipes, laid in the early 1920s.  The sections around the water valves are being replaced with ductal iron pipe.  After all the work is completed, the City should send someone out to resurface the asphalt at these three intersections.  No timetable for that project.

In the meantime, it’s a bit of an inconvenience to drive around these intersections but at least KCMO finally got around to addressing the problems!  If the resurfacing doesn’t happen in a timely manner, I’ll follow up with a call to the Public Works Department.

Louis CK: Give Kansas City Another Chance!

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I really like the FX show Louie.  Loosely based on the life of comedian Louis CK, this show is about Louie as a stand up comedian, raising his two girls in New York City and trying to find a significant other to share life’s daily struggles.  It’s not  a true comedy, it’s not a strict drama, it’s…unusual.  It’s a combination of things:  hilarious, sad, odd, surreal, preachy, extremely personal, raw, sweet and touching. FX gives Louis CK complete creative control over the show–so the star writes, edits and produces the show himself. And it’s been nominated for several Emmys this year.

Louie — TV show on FX

So in last Thursday’s episode (airdate: August 2, 2012), Louie is doing a phone interview with a radio station to promote his (fictional) upcoming shows in Kansas City at Stanford and Sons because the ticket sales are slow. After some very funny, undecipherable banter with the DJs, Louie blurts out  how much he hates Kansas City.  He says, in part,  “Kansas CIty is the worst town I’ve ever been in…what a dump.  It’s the worst city in North America, and that includes Canada and Mexico”.  After this rant, the radio hosts end the interview. This is the third time I’ve heard Louie rag on about Kansas City –why does he keep bringing it up that he hates it here?

I think it was on Marc Maron’s podcast WTF? that I first heard Louie tell a story about his horrible experience in KC.  It was something like: he did a show,  got high after with the staff, and then got lost trying to get back to his hotel. I don’t remember exactly.  But it was clear he had a horrible time. Then, earlier this year he was on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and ranted about it again.  Now  he’s dissing us  on the TV show.  Really,  Louie, was every visit here so  bad that you have to keep harping on it? You haven’t been back since to give us another chance?  Don’t you know we just hosted the All Star Game?  We were chosen to be the first city to have the Google superfast fiber network? Hey, we have some culture  and it IS possible to have a good time here! Other comedians from the area love it when they come home (Rob Riggle, Jason Sudekis, Paul Judd, Eric Stonestreet)..maybe you aren’t hanging with the fun crowd during your visits??

Louie, come back to Kansas City.  Skip the comedy club.  Do a show in my backyard (that’s very trendy now for up and coming touring musicians–they love the intimate atmosphere) and bring the girls–they can play in the park down the block. I’ll invite all my friends who love your show and your unique style of comedy.  Before the  show, we can grab some BBQ at Oklahoma Joe’s (your kind of place–it’s housed in a gas staton).  After the show, we’ll walk to   Foos for frozen custard–I know how much you love ice cream! Your agent can book you at one of our fancy hotels (yes, we do have them, you’ll be treated well).  I’ll give you a city tour–you can see our beloved Shuttlecocks, cruise the Country Club Plaza, and we’ll do the art walk if you are here on the first Friday of the month. Sit by yourself in a coffee shop and see how many people give you a warm smile.  Nope, Kansas City is not New York..but it does have a lot to offer, and I’ll bet you’ll be surprised the good time  you’ll have here. Be more…open-minded.

Louis, you’ve finally made the big time…and did it your way.  Don’t get caught now  in the bubble of unending adoration, yes men all around, playing all  big theaters for mucho bucks, just seeing each city from the limo window and concierge level. Remember what a good time you had  hanging in Miami? You can experience the same in Kansas City…give us another chance!!

The Picnic Project at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

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OK, this isn’t a blog about Brookside…but about an event I know many Brooksiders will attend!

It’s “The Picnic Project” this Sunday, July 15 2012 on the lawn at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.  Everyone loves the   front lawn of the Nelson…it’s magnificent, I never tire of looking at it. On Sunday the lawn will be transformed into a huge picnic area, open to the public.

For the past several weeks, there have been several fabric painting workshops around the city.  Anyone could paint a 5ftx5ft red or white canvas ‘blanket’.  These individual  blankets will be assembled into one huge  10,000 sf picnic blanket on the lawn Sunday from noon-2pm, and the picnic is 2-4.

Picnic Project blanket squares

Kansas City based artist Alison Heryer is the creator of this public art piece.  She teaches fiber art at the Kansas City Art Institute.  What a fascinating sight this will be for everyone to enjoy!

If you decide to make a day of it at the Nelson, remember their featured exhibition this summer is Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs 1851-1939.

Summer 2012 Exhibit Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

Looking for Bargains? Come to Brookside this Weekend!

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The annual Brookside Shops Sidewalk Sale is happening this weekend!  Today through Sunday…walk on over to 63rd and Wornall, head east and browse the bargains!  Make a day of it and stop for lunch along the way!  Remember the Saturday morning farmers’ market is full of fresh fruit, vegetables and homemade goodies this time of year.  Bring a bag and stock up!

Visiting KC for the All Star Game? Come to Brookside-A Neighborhood of Locally Owned Shops & Restaurants!

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Are you in Kansas City for the All Star Game? Looking for someplace a bit different to visit–for shopping or dining? Then come to Brookside!

Sure, you can go to the Country Club Plaza…and the Power and Light District…you will see the usual national chain stores and restaurants. But if you want to discover some friendly, locally owned business, come to Brookside. Just drive about two miles south of the Plaza at 63rd St and Brookside Blvd (or take the MAX bus). Park the car along any residential street…and join the neighbors walking to various businesses and services. Yes it’s hot..but we have lots of shade in Brookside due to our tall, leafy trees!  Our merchants association website link is here.

Artwork in Brookside; shops in background

Dining options:

Julian –  Top Chef contestant and James Beard award winner Celina Tio’s casual neighborhood restaurant with excellent food and service. Call for reservations.

Carmen’s Café – Casual southern Italian food and tapas, full bar. Good for take-out, too.

Blue Grotto – Wood fired pizzas and tapas, full bar.

Charlie Hoopers –  Beloved neighborhood bar and grill with lots of TVs, games and bar food.

Michael Forbes Grill –  Casual American food, try the pot roast soup, catfish and fresh cut fries.

Bella Napoli – Italian grocer and small restaurant/pizzeria.

The Roasterie Café – Best latte in town, free wi-fi.

Shopping:

Stuff – An art fair in a store.  Hand made jewelry, décor, art.

5B&Co Candlemakers –  Candles and gifts, the usual, and some unusual, fragrances. Get  the “Brookside Bungalow” candle for a special gift.

Reading Reptile – A children’s bookstore, worth a visit just to see the décor.

Brookside Art Fair banner, 2011

Shopgirls – Always changing, eclectic clothes and jewelry you won’t find in a mall.

World’s Window – Décor, clothes, scarves, jewelry from around the world.

The New Dime Store –  Forget something? The Dime Store probably has it. A true five and dime, like in the old days.

This list represents just a few of the more popular places Brookside has to offer.  There’s much  more to discover as you  walk along 63rdStreet and the nearby side streets.  We’re glad you are here…come join us in Brookside for a unique, local experience during your stay!

Armour Hills Homes Assn Board Meeting June 2012

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Hi neighbors!

Here’s a brief recap from the Armour Hills homes association board meeting on June 19, 2012:

*Mark your calendar for July 18, we are hosting a special security meeting for residents at the Country Club Congregational Church at 6pm.

*We will also host the annual Armour Hills Freedom Parade on the Trolley Track Trail July 4.  Gather at the south end of the trail near Gregory at 9:30, parade begins at 10am.  Prizes and refreshments included!

*Troy Schulte, Kansas City MO City Manager, will be our featured speaker at the Annual Meeting in November.

*Our tree planting project will begin in the Fall.

*We are applying for new PIAC funds to make improvements in Arbor Villa park.

*Melissa Saubers is working on improved communication via social media for our residents.  She is working on a Facebook page, the Clarion and our website.

*Remember the annual Ice Cream Social is September 7.

Our next meeting is July 17, 7pm, at the Church.  All residents welcome!

Why I Love Eclectics In Waldo

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–I love shopping at art fairs…you always find the most unique items, especially hand made jewerly.  Usually whenever I’m wearing something I purchased at an art fair, someone remarks on it in a complimentary way.

Eclectics 7015 Oak in Waldo

Eclectics is like an art fair..that’s always here!  This artists cooperative is celebrating it’s 21st year in Waldo at 7015 Oak.  The shop features all local artists, everything made by hand, and the selection is constantly changing.  While browsing in the shop recently, they were featuring wearable wooden ties for Father’s Day!

I often by ‘welcome to your new home’ gifts for clients from Eclectics.  They have unique lamps, yard art, wall art and mirrors, glassware and textiles.  Plus, they gift wrap anything you buy in colorful tissue and ribbons.

Eclectics doesn’t have a regular website, but you can find out more about them at http://oureclecticlives.blogspot.com.  They offer various classes and have  regular artists shows throughout the year.  This year’s themes are:  glow, grow, bow, crow and show.

Summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-6pm.  Staffed by artists who sell at the shop, you’ll always find a friendly, helpful person at the desk to assist you.

So often we can be stuck on what to get that special person who would really appreciates a piece of handmade jewelry or unusual piece of decor..a stop by Eclectics is sure to inspire you.  And like me, you will probably buy a piece of jewerly for yourself while you are there!