Category: V for Victory

Oct 23

Sold!

Since I had so much fun at last week’s antique auction, I went for a different kind of auction today – a house auction.

The weather was miserable; cold, rainy, windy… but my heart was pumping!

An auction is not a joke; it’s a contract. The winner is required to put 20% down the day of auction and pay the balance within a month. The house will be sold in as-is condition.

I wasn’t afraid (okay, I was feeling nervous silently). I was prepared. I’ve done my homework.

Before the auction, I hired an inspector to inspect the house and checked out the neighborhood. I observed the bidding process and studied buyers’ bidding behavior at previous auctions.

I have a budget in mind. Well, I was bidding on behalf of a company, so I was given a specific budget to work with.

There were quite a few people showed up (some investors, some private buyers, some curious people) at the auction. It was hard to tell who was serious and who wasn’t. I walked around the house and didn’t ‘overhear’ any useful information. :(

You should never let other people know about your budget, especially the auctioneer. Auctioneer works for the seller. He wants the bid to go as high as possible because he will receive a commission based on the sale price. You lose if you show your number first.

The bidding began. My heart was racing at high speed, but I couldn’t show. I had to be patient.

I paced myself on my bidding and became aggressive when I needed.

Long story short, I won the bid, on budget. Sold!!!! Oh man, I had such an adrenalin rush.

So proud of myself and I gave myself a big pat on my back.

Despite of the ‘better stay home’ weather, some friends showed up to give me some support. Thank You, Thank You!!!

Another day, another crazy OuOu story. Now, off to the next project.

Remember, Thoughts Become Things.

Good night.

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Posted in V for Victory auction

Sep 11

My Independence Day

I woke up.

OMG! I could see the words on a book cover from five feet away.

* * * * * * *
09/09/2009

Nine is considered a very auspicious number in Chinese culture because it sounds like the word “longlasting” (久). Therefore, to choose 09/09/09 for a life changing experience is not only appropriate but poetic as well. :=)

Upon recommendation from my sister, I decided to improve my vision at Centre for Sight Laser Eye Centre in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. The cost of LASIK is around RM4000 (approx. USD 1200) and RM6000 for the custom package. It’s much cheaper than the prices in USA.

My assigned patient ID is 09090, another beautiful number. Isn’t it a lucky sign?

I’ve watched videos and read a lot about LASIK surgery, so I am very familiar with the procedure.

My surgeon was Dr. Choong Yean Yaw and I had full confidence in his ability to perfom a successful LASIK surgery.

My sister, Mee Ming volunteered to help me record my big day. What a brave girl.

During the procedure, my eyes were numb but I was fully aware of what was going on. I must admit I was SHIT scared when the incision was made to create the round corneal flap. Maybe I shouldn’t have watched the LASIK video afterall. All I could do was to focus, and think positively during the surgery.

My surgery went well despite of a minor delay due to a technical issue with the operation chair prior to the surgery. Dr. Choong and his team gave me the impression that there’s nothing they can’t handle.

I celebrate my freedom today. I am freed from wearing sweaty and foggy glasses. No more blurry vision while swimming or in the sauna room. I can now wear sunglasses without contacts. No more cleaning contact lenses. If you wear contacts or glasses, you know what I am talking about.

Sharing with you here it’s a video edited by me (see below). I know I shouldn’t overwork my eyes after the surgery, but I can’t help myself.

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Posted in V for Victory eye surgery laser eye surgery LASIk

Aug 31

Restoration Project

Last month had been a busy, stressful month for me.

Karan and I decided to put our 304 South Court house on the market before the summer ended. That was when all the madness started. We rushed to complete all the unfinished projects in the house, fixed up our new house (a house that he had purchased early this year), packed and moved.

Will I miss 304 South Court? Sure, it is such a blissful and delightful home, so many memories. But we felt like it was time to move on.

It’s our passion to restore older houses with lots of characters, especially if they have a solid foundation. It’s not easy to look past all the junk and restoration work required in order to make these houses beautiful. But somehow for me, it’s actually a joy to discover those diamonds in the rough. They speak to me. I know they are waiting for some tender love and care.

We are hands-on and very involved in every design and construction decision, so each project is a back-breaking process. It requires a lot vision and patience.

Now we know that our job is done at this South Court property. The next perfect owner would come and create his memories here.

I’ve posted photos and details of 304, S.Court at http://SouthCourtHouse.blogspot.com. If you think this house is perfect for someone you know, please pass this url along.

Here are some behind the scene photos. Enjoy.

Exterior – East (Before)

Exterior – East (After)

Old bushes were pulled out. New plants were hand-picked and planted by us.

Exterior – East (Before)

Exterior – East (After)

Fireplace (before)

Fireplace (after)

Old cracked subway tiles were removed and replaced by natural stones. Mantel was painted.

Kitchen (before)

Kitchen (after)

New: porcelain tile floor, countertop, tile backsplash, paint, light fixture, faucet, stove, fridge, range hood

Kitchen (before)

Kitchen (after)

New: porcelain tile floor, countertop, tile backsplash, paint, light fixture, faucet, stove, fridge, range hood

Balcony (before)

Balcony (after)

Balcony was a complete redo with treated lumber. Our contractor did a great job.

Bedroom/spa room (before)

Bedroom/spa room (before)

Layers of linoleum need to be hand-scraped.

Bedroom/spa room (after)

Yellow pine floor was professionally finished by Ian Temple Floors.

Bedroom/spa room (before)

Bedroom/spa room (before)

Bedroom/spa room (after)

Sunroom (before)

Sunroom (before)

There’s gorgeous yellow pine floor under the nasty old carpet! The floor needs to be hand-scraped before it could be sanded.

Sunroom (after)

Removed trailer style metal windows and installed new energy efficient windows. Insulated walls and ceiling. Added recessed light fixtures.