Hidden Talent

Your Hidden Talent

You're super sensitive and easily able to understand situations.You tend to solve complex problems in a flash, without needing a lot of facts.Decision making is easy for you. You have killer intuition.The right path is always clear, and you're a bit of a visionary.

What's" Your Hidden Talent?

Christmas Trivia Cont.

By popular demand, I have extended the due date to 5pm, January 5th. Good Luck.

Christmas Trivia

Do you know your Christmas Trivia?

1.) In the Chipmunks song what does Alvin want for Christmas?

2.) Who got run over by a reindeer? (Bonus what happened to their gifts)

3.) Name the 12 gifts from the "true love" in the "Twelve Days of Christmas". (Bonus if you can tell me who the "true love" was and what the gifts represented)

4.) Name Santa's reindeer.

5.) Why does the audience stand whenever the "Hallelujah Chorus" is sung?

6.) What plant is used to ward off evil spirits?

7.) Name one of the three other names Charles Dickens thought of before he decided on Tiny Tim. (Bonus if you can name all three)

8.) In Ukrainian tradition, a spider web found on Christmas morning symbolizes what?

9.) Which was the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday? (Bonus if you know the year)

10.) The fun of eating Christmas pudding is finding a trinket that will predict your fortune for the upcoming year. What to the following items represent
- The Ring
- The Coin
- The Button
- The Thimble

Tie breaker
If there is a tie, a tie breaker question will be issued.

You have until 5pm December 29th to submit your answers by email to Jessica@Bettykincaid.com. The winner will receive a $100 donation in their name to the charity of their choice. (and bragging rights, of course) Good Luck!

What type of personality are you?

You Have A Type A Personality

A You are hyper, energetic, and always on the moodYou tend to succeed at everything you attemptAnd if you don't succeed at first, you quickly climb your way to the top! You could be called a workaholic, but you also make time for funAs long as it's high energy and competitive, you're interestedYou have the perfect personality for business and atheltic success

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

My Cat

Ok, so I don't really have a cat, but this cat has decided to adopt me. He/she sits on my patio chair everday and just sleeps there like he/she owns it. Kinda cute huh!

What I'm Reading

Over the past week, I have had a few of my friends ask me what I'm reading, so in the interest of saving time, I'll just post my list for you all to enjoy.

Wicked by Gregory Maguire. I have just finished reading this one and it was great. It's the story of the life of the Wicked Witch of the West and how she really wasn't so bad, just didn't conform to society.

Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts. As always, her books are fabulous. It's the story of a girl who after fire threaten to destroy her family, grow up to become an arson investigator.

The Undomesticated Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. I just started this book today, but I loved her Can you Keep a Secret so I'm looking forward to this new release.

Vanish by Tess Gerritsen. This was so good and yet another Jane Rizzoli escapade. If you like Eve Dallas, you'll like Jane Rizzoli. She's a rough around the edges cop who always catches her man. I couldn't put it down.

'Til There Was U by Dianne Castell. This was the first book from Castell that I've read, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. This particular book is the first in a trilogy of three brothers who come home to help their father with his newest addition. It's a fun light read.

What are you reading?

Happy, Happy Birthday!

December 4th - Captain Neal

December 10th - Grandma Joan

December 11th - Grandma Pat

December 15th - Germain (my sister)

December 30th - Michelle

Happy December Birthday!

For those of you who may ask, I do have some pictures of everybody, but some people (who shall remain nameless, Bryna and Grandma) put them into formats that aren't really Blogger friendly. :)

Quotations

So I was floating around on my space today and one of the posts I came across caught my attention.

Can you guess the movie just by a quote? (There are some people who possess the talent.) Let's test how good you are. Guess the movie where the quote is from, then post your own favorite quote for the next person.

Here's my quote to get us started.

"What an idiot." (Said in an English accent)


(For a bonus, a TV quote - "Us two? You two are the two who are the two!)

Holiday (sorry, Christmas) Quiz

You Are Vixen

Sexy and sultry, you're the one all the other reindeer dream about. Why You're Naughty: That fur pulling spat you got into with Dancer over Santa. Why You're Nice: Because even when you're nice, you're still delightfully naughty!

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Top Ten Reasons Why I Hate Fox

10.) Major League Baseball interrupts primetime. (Isn't this what the many sports only channels are for or better yet WGN)

9.) There primetime lineup is mostly geared to the MTV crowd.

8.) Prime time only lasts 2 hours. (Probably because they keep canceling their primetime shows.)

7.) Thrives on shows like Trading Spouses.

6.) Uses Cops to fill programming gaps at all hours of the day.

5.) Has one high rated show and encores it every week.

4.) MAD T.V. (Do I really need to say more)

3.) Hasn't cancelled Stacked.

2.) They cancelled Kitchen Confidential after 13 episodes (However, only 4 got to air before the show was preempted for baseball)

1.) They cancelled Firefly after 13 episodes (Do we see a pattern emerging?)

Harry Potter

The new Harry Potter movie premiers on the 18th and I can't wait. To tide me over for the midnight premiere at the IMAX, there is going to be an online webcast that will run simultaneously with the real premiere in England! It's going to be tomorrow at 9am my time. (You all can figure out the time difference yourselves) I can't wait, I am so excited!

An A For Me

I just completed my first certificate and with a 91% to boot. (Golf Clap)

Today I took the online class for my TRC or Transnational Referral Certification. It was a great class and I learned that there are a lot of similarities within the international real estate community.

However, there are a ton of differences and with so many countries involved, it can be difficult to keep straight. Even in the United States there are differences in the transaction depending on the state you live in. (ie: Lawyers, Mortgages, etc) What a fantastic opportunity NAR has given us to not only learn a little bit about how other countries buy and sell real estate, but to learn how to communicate and referral to international agents.

NVAR Annual Conference

Here are the pictures from Tahoe!

I Left My Heart...

I just came back from San Francisco and WOW what a trip. I had such a blast that I just didn't want to leave. We had this fabulous suite that I have been waiting 5 years to stay in. There are pictures here.

Anyway, I was in San Francisco for the NAR conference and of course WCR. There were tons of great classes on how to grow my business and better assist my clients. I also got to meet some awesome people.

At the conference, Betty said goodbye and passed on her title to Gail. Gail's installation was beautiful and we had Idaho Potato Ice Cream for dessert. (Gail's the potato lady from Idaho) During the Governing Board meeting the next morning, Betty presided over her last meeting and even made Gary cry. (He's going to miss her, he just doesn't know it yet!)

Meanwhile, I finally met Gail's daughter Kerri and passed the First Daughter title off. It was great and kinda funny how we met. I was getting off the elevator the first day and talking to someone else and she spotted me. We introduced ourselves and hung out the whole conference. It was great to have someone else there to bounce ideas off of and to simply chat.

Just Listed!

Did you know?

Did you know you can list real estate on E-Bay! This is just too cool, check it out.

I Love Rob, Arnie and Dawn

Rob, Arnie and Dawn are now offically live online. This means that I can now listen to my favorite morning radio show again.

Oh, how I have missed my Rob, Arnie and Dawn.

I mean the only thing that even comes close to being as entertaining is Howard Stern, but he just doesn't completely fill the void. All that is behind me now because I can listen every morning from my computer.

Happy, Happ, Joy, Joy!

Today's my birthday, Happy Birthday to me!

Want to see, Want to see

You are Inara, the registerred Companion. you are
sexy, sensual and skilled, yet have trouble
admitting to your emotions. You swing both
ways.

Which Firefly character are you?
brought to you by

Primetime is Back

For the last five years I have not be able to truly appreciate primetime T.V., which is sad because I really love it. Instead, I have had classes, work and study groups that have kept me away from my shows. The worst was this spring, I was getting up so early (4-5am) that I would fall asleep!

So now it all starts over on a clean slate. I work relatively normal hours and have a DVR so I am sure not to miss my shows. This season is off to a great start. There are so many good shows on now, I love it. Check out my thought and let me know what you think.

Favorite New Comedy
- This one is tied between two new shows, How I Met Your Mother and Kitchen Confidential. Both show have some favorite actors and witty writing.

Favorite New Reality Show
- Is there even a new one out there?

Favorite New Drama
- Bones. When I watched the coming attractions, I was excited to see David Boreanz playing a character who isn't "all bad and moody", only to tune in and find out his character is just that.

Favorite Returning Comedy
- Will and Grace. The live show premiere was awesome.

Favorite Returning Drama
- Lost. I didn't really get into this show until the week before it premiered, but I am hooked. The dialogue is always sharp and creative and the story line just keeps getting stranger and stranger.
Favorite Returning Reality Show
- The Amazing Race. I love this show, you couldn't write stuff like it. The family concept is a little weird, but it give the boards more people to make fun of.

Favorite News Show
- The Daily Show. It just rocks and I can't wait until the Colbert Report begins on 10/17/05. A whole hour of fake news, I won't know what to do with myself.

Anyway, those are my favorites, what are yours?

Because it truely is all about me

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey
Name:	Jessica Kincaid
Birthday:	October 4th
Birthplace:	Flagstaff, AZ
Current Location:	Home again (Vegas!)
Eye Color:	Depends on my mood
Hair Color:	Depends on my hair stylist's mood
Height:	5'3'' (That's what it says on my medical chart and I'm sticking with it)
Right Handed or Left Handed:	Right
Your Heritage:	Mainly German, Irish, Italian and a bunch of other stuff thrown in
The Shoes You Wore Today:	None yet
Your Weakness:	Books, I am an addict
Your Fears:	Failing
Your Perfect Pizza:	Cheese, the more the better
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:	Close my first transaction
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger:	lol
Thoughts First Waking Up:	You want me to think?
Your Best Physical Feature:	I personally like my eyes
Your Bedtime:	When ever I feel like it
Your Most Missed Memory:	My grandfather
Pepsi or Coke:	Coke
MacDonalds or Burger King:	Taco Bell
Single or Group Dates:	Depends
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:	Tazo
Chocolate or Vanilla:	Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Cappuccino or Coffee:	Latte
Do you Smoke:	No
Do you Swear:	Creavtively
Do you Sing:	Everyday
Do you Shower Daily:	Yes
Have you Been in Love:	Yes
Do you want to go to College:	Did, want to go back and get my EMBA
Do you want to get Married:	I don't know
Do you belive in yourself:	Yes
Do you get Motion Sickness:	No
Do you think you are Attractive:	Most days
Are you a Health Freak:	No
Do you get along with your Parents:	Yes
Do you like Thunderstorms:	Only when I'm not alone
Do you play an Instrument:	Yes. Do I play it well, no.
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:	Last night
In the past month have you Smoked:	No
In the past month have you been on Drugs:	Do legal ones count?
In the past month have you gone on a Date:	Unfortunately
In the past month have you gone to a Mall:	Hell yes!
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:	No
In the past month have you eaten Sushi:	No
In the past month have you been on Stage:	Yes
In the past month have you been Dumped:	No
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:	No
In the past month have you Stolen Anything:	Books from my mother's house
Ever been Drunk:	Oh boy yes
Ever been called a Tease:	Many times
Ever been Beaten up:	Almost
Ever Shoplifted:	Not that I remember
How do you want to Die:	In my sleep
What do you want to be when you Grow Up:	A smart, successful, wealthy woman
What country would you most like to Visit:	I want to go back to Italy
In a Boy/Girl..
Favourite Eye Color:	Doesn't matter
Favourite Hair Color:	Dark
Short or Long Hair:	Short
Height:	Taller then me
Weight:	I like 'em big
Best Clothing Style:	It's all about the shoes
Number of Drugs I have taken:	Legal or illegal?
Number of CDs I own:	A vast collection
Number of Piercings:	Nothing excessive
Number of Tattoos:	Again, nothing excessive
Number of things in my Past I Regret:	You should never have regrets, just learning opportunites
CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!

Firefly

Just want to add, Firefly is being run on the Sci-fi channel in honor of the movie Serenity which opens on Friday.

An Interesting Day

Do you ever have one of those days where some things so amazingly right and others go massively wrong? That was my day today.

I had some weird things go wrong. My dryer is only blowing cold air, my print order is messed up and my files just don't want to be converted into PDF. On the upside, I got everything on my daily to do list accomplished. I found myself working effectively and efficiently despite the bumps in the road. I even got more RSVPs for my birthday party on Saturday!

I think the best part was a very entertaining instant message conversation. To give you some background, I very rarely use my instant messenger. I may be logged on, but I don't realize it. So I was shocked when a message popped up. It turns out it was an entertaining guy who I used to talk to back in the dorm room days. Now for those of you who have lived with me, you know I love the whole local band scene. In fact, some of my favorite tracks are from LV and Reno local bands. (I think my first roommate was sick of Inside Scarlet by the end of the semester.) Anyway, it turns out this guy I met is part of a LV local band Blindsighted and they're fantastic!

Add to all this the premire of the best show on television, The Amazing Race. I am so excited, I can't wait! 3 hours till the race begins. I am so excited to watch it and even more excited to see what snarkwife will have to say about it tomorrow. Sometimes I don't know which is more entertaining, the show or the review.

Like I said, I had an interesting day. The ironic thing is I set my intentions to have an eventful day and to receive a pleasant surprise. It looks like my intentions came through

Soccer Moms out of Control

I was driving to my mother's house the other day and had quite an interesting experience, I was yelled at by a yuppie soccer mom.

It happened quite unexpectedly. I was on my way to pick up my mother when I was passed by this Lexus SUV. When I got to the gated entrance of the subdivision, I found myself behind the SUV. So far everything is normal, I'm looking at the homes for sale in the neighborhood, I'm really not paying attention to the car in front of me. The Lexus was crawling through the neighborhood, not even going the 15 mile an hour speed limit. Then suddenly, the driver stops, pulls to the side of the road and waves me ahead. As I am applying pressure to the gas to pass the erratic driver, (I was at a dead stop) this soccer mom leans out of her window and yells, "What's your problem?"

I didn't think I was the one with a problem, but I shrugged and continued on my way. As I pulled into my mother's driveway, the SUV slows to a stop in front of the house. I am still in my car when the soccer mom honks her horn twice and continues to yell at me, "What's your problem? Why are you riding my @$$? Don't you know the speed limit?"

Completely out of control.

Let me clarify a few things...

I was driving the speed limit because the soccer mom in front of me was.
I wasn't riding her @$$. If I had been, I would have hit her when she brake checked me.
I don't have a problem. I'm not the one who has so much irrational anger that she needs to commit minor acts of road rage in a driveway.

A few days later, I another incident in my mother's neighborhood. I had just dropped her off and was on my way out when I had to come to a complete stop in the middle of the street. You see, two moms and a dad, each with baby strollers, were walking their babies in the middle of the road, not on the sidewalk, not off to the side, the middle of the road. The worst part is, they wouldn't move over.

I am not the only one I know who has run into these problems, I even know people who have had similar occurrences in that very same neighborhood. No wonder so many teenage drivers are involved in incidents of road rage, they've learned by example, right at mamma's knee.

Special Delivery

There are babies everywhere! It seems that lately everyone I know is pregnant. It's kind of weird. Anyway, congratulations!

Steve and Becky
~ They had a little baby boy since I've moved from Reno. I was given the news second hand so unfortunately I don't have a name, but I'm working on it!

Don and Kristine
~ Bryna's brother and sister -in-law. They also had a baby boy. Matthias Donald was born on the 15th and is a healthy 7 pounds, 2 ounces.

Kristine
~ This Kristine works at EXIT with me and just found out yesterday that she and her husband will be having a baby boy. Number One Son!

Kara
~ We went to high school together and I was very pleased to find out she will be expecting a baby girl in November.

Congrats and send pictures! :)

Girl's Night Out

The bachelorette party weekend was a huge success.

I started the weekend almost missing my flight. I was the dork who thought her plane left at 4:15 instead of 2:55. I arrived at the airport 5 minutes after my plane was supposed to leave. Lucky for me, the flight was delayed and I had an awesome ticketing agent who ran me across the airport, through security and to my gate just in time to make the flight. I had the last seat in the last row and my bags had to be checked, but I was on that plane.

Friday night I just hung around with Michelle, her fiance Tory and his friend. We went to the movies, (The Transporter 2) had drinks and dessert, (Claim Jumper) went to the Atlantis (the boys gambled while Michelle and I played arcade games) and eventually ate breakfast. (the Peppermill) I didn't even get back to my room until 4am.

Saturday was the big day. I was up at 7:30am and ready to go. Michelle met me at my room and our first event of the day was a t-ball game. Then it was on to the mall for power shopping where we found Michelle the perfect part shirt and me yet more books. (I need a 12 step program) We returned to my room at the Circus Circus at 4pm, exhausted and hungry, nothing room service and a nap couldn't fix. By 6:30pm when we left for the restaurant (On The Border) we were back to our normal, giddy selves.

Dinner was a blast. Everybody looked great and the food was excellent. The best part was the cake, I'll leave the design of it up to your imagination. After dinner, we moved the party back to the Circus Circus - Silver Legacy - Eldorado common area. Michelle, her sister and I to all the hot venues and had a blast. We met some interesting people and danced like crazy.

At about midnight, Michelle's sister split her pants (boy does this sound familiar) and had to go back to the room to change them. She, however, is a lot less shy about her split then I was because she showed it off to anyone who would look. So after our trek to the room for the valet ticket, to valet, she finally changed her pants and was ready to go again.

Sadly, I was not. While dancing at the club, I had twisted my knee pretty badly, so I went back to the room. My plan was to take a shower, pack, then watch a movie while I waited for the girls to return. Well, the movie ended at about 4am and they still weren't back, so I turned off the T.V. and went to bed. About 2 hours later, I woke up and looked the clock. It was 6:09am, still dark and the girls had yet to return. I just thought the clock was wrong, but about an hour later they came storming into the room, giggling and still a bit tipsy. It took them an entire hour to calm down.

Anyway, we slept for about two more hours then walked Michelle's sister down to her car, got breakfast and went back to the room. At noon, I was on my way back to the airport, ready to be going home. It was a great weekend, But I was happy to finally get some sleep!

Shopping Spree

Yesterday, my sister, Miranda and I went shopping. You see, my friend, Michelle, is getting married and her bachelorette party is in Reno this weekend. This means that I have to have all the little party favors purchase before I go so that I can ship them to myself in Reno. There is no way I am taking that stuff on the plane. With my luck, my bag will be searched and it'll be some old, grandmotherly women like Dr. Sue who will have no problem flashing my goodies for all to see.

Now I know some of you are thinking that if I am too embarrassed to be seen with them, then why am I even buying them. Let me just say there's a vast difference between using them as party favors in the party environment and quite another going through airport security. Besides, I don't want to take the chance they might be confiscated in the interest of "Homeland Security". So, I'll UPS them to myself at the bookstore and pick them up when I get there.

But, back to my shopping story. We went to two stores to find what I was looking for. The first was Spencer's gifts inside the mall. You know, I never really realized how raunchy this store was when I was a kid. They had some of the most interesting things in that store. Anyway, they have an entire section for pre-wedding parties and I found some fun, yet relatively tame party favors there.

After Spencer's we visited a store called The Love boutique. It was actually a really nice store, very clean, bright and fun. They had a great party section where I found some of the not so tame party favors and got some great game ideas. Overall, my shopping trip was a success, yet I still don't know what to get the bride.

What Will They Think of Next?

I did the most amazing thing today, I ordered pizza from Pizza Hut online. What will they think of next?

My First Listing!

I was reading through my past posts today and I realized something. I never did a post on my first listing. My wonderful mother gave me this listing and what a fantastic learning opportunity it has been. (Thanks Mom!)

This property is a beautiful two bedroom, two bath condo in the Tuscan inspired MonteLago Village in Lake Las Vegas. The above picture is of the back entrance, which leads to one of the most fabulous pools. The best part is, it comes fully furnished, all you have to do is move in.

Jews vs. Jews

I woke up this morning to protests in the Gaza Strip. Israel is pulling out of the Gaza Strip and protests have broken out, but they're relatively peaceful. The sight is almost inspiring.

This morning, Israeli troops were removing protestors from the Gaza Strip and it was a surprisingly peaceful scene. When I think of protestors and the military being called to remove them, I think of groups of military personnel, with full riot gear, marching into "combat". This is not the case in Gaza. The military greatly outnumbers the protestors, but they are not in riot gear. In fact they aren't armed with anything but water, water for the protestors!

The protestors simply sit on the floor with locked arms and legs and wait until it is their turn to be physically pulled out of the chain and carried by four or more soldiers into waiting transportation. As I watch this I am intrigued by the scene. Here are Israeli soldiers being ordered to remove their fellow Israeli citizen, protesting for a greater cause.

The sight reminds me of the pictures I've seen from the Civil Rights movement and I can't help but respect the people of Israel; neither side has resorted to violence.

The Gaza Strip

Israel is pulling out of the Gaza Strip and protestors are in full swing. Watching this unfold on the news is both fascinating and inspiring. I strongly suggest each of you watch one of the news stations and their clips of what unfolded at 4pm Israel time. I'll post more after my class today, but until then, I hope protests stay relatively peaceful.

Bragging Rights

One of the things I have discovered over these past few months since embarking on my new career is I have to write about myself, a lot! Now for those of you who know and love me, you know that I don't really have a problem talking about myself, or really talking at all for that matter. However, I have found some difficulty in writing about me!

One of the many marketing tools used in the real estate business is the sphere of influence (SOI); a database of your friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, etc. These are the people who already know you and need to know that you have begun a new career. They know people, often people who are going to need your services, and are more then happy to recommend or even use you if they only knew what you were up to. One of the projects I have been working on is putting together my SOI and preparing a letter, all about me and my new career, to go out to my sphere.

One of the other important tool is the biography. If your a longtime visitor to my blog, you'll notice a new addition. The short little bio at the top of the page is my first step in creating and maintaining a professional biography. This will grow as my business grows, but for now it's not bad! :)

Okay, by now you're thinking to yourself why is Jessica writing about this and why do I care? Well, I have a challenge for you. I challenge you to write a short bio about yourself, and Uncle Sheddy, I was born, I live, I will die does not count. Post your bio under the comments section and the winning bio will win a copy of one of my favorite non-fiction books Eats, Shoots & Leaves.

Good luck and may the best write win!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Sassy and chic in her new Vogue sunglasses.

My Favorite Things!

I was talking to Bryna the other day and she gave me the idea to post a list of my favorite summer reads, so here you go!

Dream Man - Linda Howard
- I read this book so many times, it's falling apart. He's a cop, she's a psychic and the chemistry simply burns up the pages.

Naked in Death - JD Robb
- One word, Roarke!

Expose - Laura Van Wormer
- This author is fantastic, if you like mysteries and quick witted women, you'll love this author!

The Admiral's Bride - Suzanne Brockmann
- Yet another book I've read more times then I can count! I always find something new every time I read it!

Absolutely, Positively - Jayne Ann Krentz
- You think your family is weird!?!

Running Scared - Elizabeth Lowell
- Ancient gold, scandal and Vegas; what more could you want!

Heaven Texas - Susan Elizabeth Phillips
- She cracks me up every time, but Bobby Tom is hands down, my favorite hero from her!


All these books can be found on Amazon.com and are just a small handful of my favorites. Each of the above books, I've read at least a half dozen times. If you have favorites not mentioned, please post a comment and let me know!

Drive Me Crazy

Today was my first full day in Spokane and it has been wonderful. Okay so I have gotten lost a few times, but I got a map and things are looking up. However, I have one tiny comment…what’s with the one way streets? I mean really, how much more effective can they be?

Let me back up and explain. The senior center where the Boot Camp is being held is no where near any of the hotels. This means that I had to rent a car, which in turn means that I have to drive from point A to point B, in a strange city. Now let me remind you, I get lost in not so strange cities like Vegas and Reno and at least there I have a general idea of where things are. Here, I am out of control. I finally found the senior center and when I got in my car to leave I figured I would just go back the way I came, right? WRONG! Why, because apparently the way I came no longer exists for me.

But, there is an up side. I looked on my map and confirmed there is no La Flaminia in Spokane! :)

Proud To Be An EXIT Agent

I spent a large part of last week back in Reno for the Women's Council of REALTORS® (WCR)regional conference and I discovered something, I have yet to post about my new career. So we just need to change that.

As some of you may know, I am now officially licensed to sell real estate in the state of Nevada. I can also proudly say that I am a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, (NAR) the Nevada Association of REALTORS®, (NVAR) the Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS® (GLVAR) and WCR. (Well, technically this will be official in September!) Most importantly, I am an EXIT agent.

What's EXIT you ask?

EXIT is real estate re-invented. What I mean by this sentence is this, EXIT agents have access to some of the best training around. They have trainers that will teach you, step by step, how to be successful. EXIT agents also have a mentor, someone who will take the time to show them the ropes. You see, what often happens is you are recruited into a real estate company, which can often be the only time you actually see your broker, you watch a few tapes and are then sent out into the world to either make or break it. Now at EXIT, we have a residual program. These residuals mean that for every agent you recruit to the EXIT company, you receive 10% of their gross commission up to $10,000 per year! Anybody can recruit, it doesn't have to be the broker. Your license could be 1 day old, you can still recruit!

Pretty cool huh?

It gets better. So say you were recruited into the company by another agent. This agent has just become you sponsor/mentor. This person is going to be there for you, making sure that you make at least $100,000 every year so they can get their maximum $10,000.

How great is that! You get to reap all the benefits of their knowledge. On the flip side, you train this person to be a successful agent, you're going to be making $10,000 a year by simply waking up.

Additionally, EXIT is not all about the paycheck. True they want you to be the best agent that you can be, but they also want you to be the best person you can be. This means that you have to be a well-rounded person. You can't just focus on the business, but you have to be even throughout business, family, spiritual, mental, physical, contributions. They recognize that with out balance in life, things can begin to implode.

This is important to me. Who wants to work for a company that only measures success through $. Success can simply mean your even in all areas of life.

The Never Ending Story

As I have said many times before, I am a huge fan of TV on DVD. To me this is a way to watch my favorite shows, even those that are now long cancelled, whenever I want, over and over again. The other day I was yet again watching Dark Angel and I found myself wondering why such a fantastic series was cancelled. As a result, I found myself googling Dark Angel and what I found was amazing.

Did you know that there are sites out there where the series never ended? Some very talented writers, with apparently too much time on their hands, have continued to write the series into a fourth season, a virtual season.

Virtual Seasons!

You know those cancelled shows that were always just a bit ahead of their times or had a kind of cult following? They all live on in these Virtual Seasons. I was completely amazed with this new kind of reality that I spent hours reading the various episodes. All my favorites were there; Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dark Angel, Sports Night and even SeaQuest DSV/2032.

I know, I know, you all are shaking your heads and secretly calling me a dork, (well Uncle Sheddy is calling me a dork out loud) but I felt the need to share. Mostly, because while I know you think I am a dork, I often feel the same about most of you. (I mean that in the most loving way) Besides, I often feel it's my job to occasionally educate you with useless knowledge, you never know when you're going to need an icebreaker!

Intention

While Watching Dr. Wayne Dyer’s PBS special on his book, The Power of Intention, I was already formulating in my mind what I was going to write. I had originally planned was to write about the Seven Faces of Intention; (Creativity, Kindness, Love, Beauty, Expansiveness, Abundance and Receptivity) in fact, I took four pages of notes on everything I would write about, and then the most amazing happened. Dr. Dyer’s daughter came on stage and sang a song that I haven’t heard in a long time and haven’t sung in an even longer time. She sang the Prayer of St. Francis. I love this song. I love the words, I love the melody, but mostly I love the way it always makes me feel. It just has such life to it that every time I hear it of sing it I feel open. Open to everything; to God, to possibilities and opportunities, to the people around me. Open. Like I really am what the songs says I am, a channel.

While she was singing the camera panned the audience. What an awe-inspiring thing. Here was this woman being a channel for these words while those around her opened themselves to receive them. Without being asked to, without it being habit or ritual; this room full of strangers joined hands and together let the music and the power behind it, move them. This alone gave me chills. I in turn felt their presence and their power.

I have not really though about this song in a while. Every once in a great while, the song will pop into my head for no reason and refuse to leave. In the past I have though nothing of it, but after observing what the power of those words, that melody, made that audience full of strangers feel, I have begun to wonder.

Was my subconscious trying to tell me to become more open? Or was it trying to tell me at that moment, on that day when that song popped into my head, I already was?

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Okay, enough of being a slacker, I guess I have to start posting again! :)

I Am Still Alive!

I have been having major issues with the whole internet thing here in Las Vegas. However, I made the move just fine (Miranda's a stud) and hope to be back shortly. Talk to you later!

Land of the Living

I think I have finally recovered from my marathon workday. I did nothing but sleep and relax on Wednesday, which means that I have had to throw myself into my packing these last two days.

On Thursday, I realized that I had move to pack then I had originally thought. The good news is that as I pack, I am discovering lots of things that I never use and can throw out! Less to pack. This and this alone would be a good reason to move about every 3-5 years. In between my packing, I called to change over my different utilities. (Had a little incident with AT&T to which I will say that I will never be a customer of theirs again.) My little incident with AT&T meant that I had to find another phone company in Vegas, preferably one that will do both my local and long distance. (Streamline the process) I found this in Sprint and want to know the best part? I didn't even have to talk to anyone, I did it all on the internet. How awesome, and convenient, is that?

Today, I sold some of my furniture to a couple of friends from the books store. They, like me, love to read, so they bought almost all my bookshelves from me! I also tackled my kitchen. I have this cabinet above my stove that I can't really reach without a chair (or Bryna) that I finally cleaned out today. You know, for someone who only drinks on very few occasions, I have an awful lot of alcohol. (Of course most of it is unopened, I wonder what that means)

Anyway, Dad and Geneva arrive tomorrow morning, then it'll be moving day! I can't wait!

Countdown!

Holy Canoli! I move on Sunday! That's only 4 days away!

Aggghhh, still so much to do!

The Morning After

I'm still alive, in case any of you were wondering, although I have yet to get out of bed. My brain is still very fuzzy, but I have noticed some interesting things.

The big 3 Nevada papers are buzzing with the news of the special session and what was on the agenda and I think that once everyone actually has time to sit down and read the bills they passed out, perceptions might change a bit. Things were going so fast there, copies of the bills and time was limited, that I'm sure mistakes were made. We'll have to wait and see what happens over the next biennium.

In the meantime, I have one little bit of legislative trivia left. Each Senator serves a 4 year term, elected during the even years. (Each term has 2 regular sessions in it) The Assembly, on the other hand, is only elected for a 2 year term or 1 regular session.

I Survived...

my second legislative session and my very first special session.

Now it is time to go to bed; I have been awake for over 31 hours (with a 20 minute catnap around 7am) and I'm exhausted.

Hope you have enjoyed my breakdown of sine die!

Good Night!

More Games

Well, the fun has begun again. They have 12 bills given to them by the Governor for them to pass by 10am. The 1 minute recesses have begun along with the moving of bills around the agendas. (ie: holding bills hostage)

Ahh...the fun begins again.

Good Morning!

Well, we've made a Starbucks run and I have had my coffee transfusion. Now let me update you on what happened overnight.

2am, various legislators were playing the blame game; trying lay the blame of the special session on anyone else.

230am, the Governor called for a special session to begin at 3am, June 7th.

4am, the 22nd special session began.

430am, recess until the bills were finished being printed.

6am, the Senate introduces the first 4 bills of the special session. These bills are two Senate appropriations bill, security enhancements for the capitol grounds and the Millennium Scholarship bill.

The bills they absolutely need to pass are the appropriations bill, the Millennium Scholarship and the bill on all-day kindergarten.

Well, that's all for now!

The 22nd Special Session

Well, the special session has begun. (then they recessed because the printer needs to play catch-up).

Just letting you know, we're all still hanging in here.

Legislative Update

It's now 2:30am on June 7.

We are all still here.

We will be going into a special session in a half hour.

Stay tuned.

Now We're Moving

The deadline is a little over three hours away and things are definitely starting to pick up. The Senate has gone into a 30 minute recess while the Assembly works through some of their business. Games are once again being played.

The big issues left to be resolved...

The tax rebate...we want our money back!

Canadian Drug Importation...the lobbyists have agreed to send our stash in the lobbyist room to Canada so they don't run out.

The Kenny C. Guinn millennium Scholarship Fund...a very hot button, no one can agree on anything relating to this fund.

Well, be back soon!

BTW

It's snowing in Tahoe!

In Case You Were Worried...

the Senate just passed their part of the budget.

The Fun Has Begun

Boy...oh...boy!

Things are really fired up now. There are a few "trailer" bills floating around now. These are bills that amend all the bills that have already had hearings and been agreed upon. This makes sure that all the bills conform with each other. In others words, making sure the right hand knows what the left is doing. This can often throw lobbyists into a tailspin because this bill can quickly become a "Christmas tree" bill. (A bill where dead bills are often added into as an amendment)

In other Senate news, Senator Titus just tried to add her senior citizen bill into a tax bill and lost. Her amendment would have given a property tax rebate to Nevada's senior citizens. When it was a bill, it passed out of the Senate with flying colors; however, we are now in the 11th hour and all the money (except the DMV/gas rebate) has been spent. This bill has a HUGE fiscal note and there is no money left in the General Fund. The amendment died, 9-12, right down those party lines.

More news later!

They've Started

The Senate has officially come back to order.

Waiting

The 6 o'clock floor session of the Senate has yet to begin.

Welcome Back

Well, not much has gone on since the last time we spoke. Me, I went back to the office and watched as Mr. Rock clean off his desk (mainly by putting more stuff on mine) and Mr. Canada's. Mr. GAD sat behind his desk and pretended to work. :)

The Legislators also didn't do much. They took a 3 hour break where they cacused, did a few money bills and walked the halls for someone to talk to. (you know a legislator is either a freshman or bored when they walk into the lobbyist room.)

Now we're back in the Assembly, (the senate who was supposed to go back in at 6 is still out) watching as they pass the necessary money bills and take their now infamous 1 minute recesses. All kinds of rumors are going around about what time we'll get out of here; some are speculating we'll sine die as early as 10pm, the rest of us know that we'll be here till the bitter end. There are still some very hot topics issues in play so they have to stay at least until after the 11 o'clock news is over. :)

Well...the Assembly just finished, be back when I get over to the Senate.

It's About Honor

This picture is of the North Las Vegas Honor Guard team. (The boys with the longer jackets are from the jail.) Once a year, these guys come up to Carson City for a few days to honor their fallen comrades. If you have never been privileged to experience this event, you've missed out. It is truly awesome. (and I mean that in it's truest form of the word) This year they had a resolution that declared the week Peace Officers' Memorial Week in Nevada.

Hello Again

So things have been busy, yet uneventful. I packed up my desk this morning while watching part of Legally Blonde 2. It's kinda sad that things are over. The early morning floor sessions were somewhat uneventful.

The Senate Legislative Operations committee had a meeting behind the bar and because of the open meeting laws, it is a somewhat public hearing. In other words everyone and their mother gathers around the poor committee members trying to hear what they're saying and hoping they don't hurt their legislation.

I went to lunch with the team. Again, kinda sad. (Mr. GAD is going to miss the rest of us when we leave him.)

Now I'm back in the building, watching the Assembly as they pass bills and take a 1 minute recess (which never actually lasts a minute, more like 20) between every few. The good news is they are passing out those money bills; the bad news is, they are holding contentious bills till late tonight. (In all fairness, the Senate is doing the same)

Before I sign off, I want to leave you with this little bit of observation. The Senate is an extremely organized body. They have an agenda for every floor session that makes it very easy to follow along. The Assembly, on the other hand, not so organized. The pretty much just release a daily file that mentions the bills they might get to, but who knows when; on days where there are multiple floor sessions, by the end of the day, you need a decoder ring to understand it. The Senate rarely has to take a recess while the Assembly takes one what seems like every 5 minutes. The Senate always has all their conference reports, amendments, and bills organized neatly in their proper cubbies for the public's easy access; the Assembly will get them out, you know, whenever.

That's all for now, be back later!

My Favorite Things

Hurry up and wait. This is very common in this building. Meetings are often scheduled stacked on top of each other, with the floor sessions thrown in to make it more fun. This building runs on it's own time, legislative time, (a bit like Hawaii time) and things are very rarely, if ever, on time. However, there is always the possibility that when it's your very important bill and your running behind, you'll be late and the entire thing will be over before you get there. That's why we run around like were late, just to get to the room and wait the half hour for the legislators to show up.

This translates into down time that is spent on the computer, not doing work, but playing computer games. Yahoo.com is the best site to find said video games. These three are my favorite games....

Pyramids
- This is a version of solitaire

Text Twist
- The computer gives you six letters and you have to create as many words as you can with these letters. Spell the six letter word to advance to the next level.

Addiction solitaire
- Oh...My...God...So very addicting.

The Last Day

Today is the last day of the legislative session and I really mean the last day, no special session. There is not much left to do today. A few conference committees are going on, conference committees are where bills go when the two houses can't agree on what to do, it's a last ditch effort. Then, of course, the money committees are in trying to finalize the budget.

Since it is the 120th day, I have decided to live blog. This means I am going to come back several times today with pictures and update as the deadline approaches. Check back periodically and experience this day with me!

Be back soon!

Countdown!

2 days till the end of the legislative session.

8 days till moving day!

(and working every single one!)

Countdown!

3 days till the end of the legislative session.

9 days till moving day!

We're into single digits now!

It's Finished!

I can't believe it! My mother's website, www.bettykincaid.com, is finally finished, and might I say it looks fabulous!

Let me tell you, this had been quite an interesting experience. I have learned quiet a few things about website development and design that I never would have bothered to find out otherwise and am grateful for. (I have also learned that you really don't want to be project manager when you're working at the Legislature.) It has been a trying process at times, (as my mother can tell you, I'm quite picky) but one that I thoroughly enjoyed and would do again in a heartbeat.

I hope you all take the time today to visit this wonderful site!

Countdown!

4 days till the end of the legislative session.

10 days till moving day!

What's New

So in case you can't tell, I have lots of time to spend on my computer today. This day is the epitome of "hurry up and wait". This morning, I went to Assembly Ways and Means where I played on my computer, waiting for my 1 bill out of 7 to come up on the agenda. Now I am sitting in the Senate gallery, half listening to debate over an amendment on a bill I care and know nothing about. As a result, I have several posts for today and have made a couple of small changes to my blog.

Check out the side bar. I have added a permanent link to the legislative website and I am in the process of adding Rob, Arnie and Dawn whose early morning banter often inspires my posts. I have also added a new section for some of my favorite blogs. My mom's blog is always witty and fascinating; I always learn something new. The Bloggermann is Keith Obermann from Countdown on MSNBC. This is one of my favorite news shows, but I am never home to watch it anymore. Lastly, one of my favorite authors, Alison Kent, has a link. Her blog is also very informative and if you pay attention you can enter to win free stuff. (Just ask my mom!)

If any of you have blogs you read and would like to pass along, let me know. I'll definitely go check them out!

Diary of a Homeowner

Here's the update!


My house in Reno is still one the market, there have been people to come a look, but so far, no bites. However, the plus side to this is my kitchen is the cleanest it's ever been and for the longest period of time too! (Bryna, you'd be proud! *tear*)

My house in Vegas has been painted and from all accounts it looks Fabulous. I can't wait to see it! My new couch and chair that we got on sale from Pier One has finally come in, now I am just having a hard time hooking up with the delivery guys.

I just can't wait!

Countdown!

5 days till the end of the legislative session.

11 days till moving day!

Huston, We Have a Budget....Maybe

For pretty much the entire session, the money committees (Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means) have been hearing budgets and bills with fiscal impacts. Now they must get together and come up with a budget that both houses, and the Governor, can agree on. This has been quite a bone of contention lately. Last week, during the joint meeting to resolve budget differences, tempers rose and though the committees did somewhat advance, there were still many budgets, some of them platforms for the upcoming Governor's race, left unresolved.

For the past two nights, the Senate Finance committee and leadership from Assembly Ways and Means have been meeting in closed door sessions to attempt to find a compromise. This group has met late into the night, but the rumor around the building is we have an agreement. A solution by today will give staff enough time for the budget documents to be prepared so that they can be approved by the Legislature as a whole. The two houses must pass a budget by June 6th or a special session would be needed. (Nobody around this building wants a special session.)

So what is the budget? Well, we don't know; nothing has been released yet and committee members have been sworn to secrecy. In other words, we are all waiting with bated breath for a joint committee meeting to finalize the closing of the remaining budgets.

In the meantime, the show must go on.

Countdown!

6 days till the end of the legislative session.

12 days till moving day!

It's Not Over Till the Fat Lady Sings

Throughout the 120 day session there are several deadlines and if you miss any of the deadlines your bill is essentially "dead". However, things have a way of coming back to life has we rapidly approach the June 6th deadline.

Franchise Fees - Franchise fees are that tax you see on some of your utility bills. There was a bill introduced at the beginning of the session that would eliminate these fees. If you say this phrase around the building, you'll immediately be surrounded by the various local governments' lobbyists.
- Died at the beginning of the session, in Senator Townsend's Commerce and Labor Committee. When it came up for a vote and Senator Tiffany broke party lines and voted against the bill.
- Was made into an amendment on an Assembly bill last Friday, but was pulled by the sponsor of the amendment, in the middle of the deadline madness. (Those few hours were kinda funny though, watching the local governments scramble!)

The Graduated Driver's License - The GDL is the pet project bill of Senator Cegavske. This bill says that any driver under the age of 18 would hold a restricted driver's license where various requirements and regulations would be placed on the minor driver. Senator Cegavske has been trying her whole career in Carson to pass this bill.
- Died on the Assembly side, the Assembly Democrats have their own version of the GDL bill this year.
- Was made into an amendment on said Assembly bill by the Senate.
- Assembly voted not to concur with Senator Cegavske's amendment which means that if she doesn't remove her amendment this bill (amendment and all) will go to a conference committee, where anything can happen. (This is the farthest this bill has gotten since the Senator began her campaign.)

These are just two examples, but it shows that anything can happened and nothing is dead until sine die. Bills that are still alive are now back in their original houses, unless they're exempt bills, in which case they can be anywhere. Those that were not amended on the opposite side, go immediately to the Governor, while those that were, must go back to their original house for a concur or not concur vote on the amendment. If they decide to concur, the bill goes to the Governor, otherwise the bill goes back to the second house and they have the option to rescind or not rescind their amendment. Again, if they rescind, the bill goes to the Governor; if not, a conference committee of three legislators from each side will be appointed. Each bill is allowed two conference committees. If an agreement still cannot be reach, the bill dies for lack of an agreement between the two houses.

Now is not the time to become complacent. Just because you think you're done, you're not. All your bills may be signed by the Governor; doesn't matter, a hurtful amendment can always so up at the 11th hour. Something will rear it's ugly little head and throw you into a tailspin. Now is the time to be on your toes, to watch out for those around you; everyone is trying to cut a deal and everyone is trying to protect their clients. Things are going to start happening behind closed doors (the budget) and very late at night. (re: The 110th Day)

You're never ahead of the game in this building, you're always just treading water.

Countdown!

7 days till the end of the legislative session.

13 days till moving day!

Oh. My. God. It's so very close, I can't wait!

Vote For Pedro!

Okay, because I felt left out not knowing what Uncle Sheddy was talking about, I watched Napoleon Dynamite this weekend. All I have to say is, I want my two hours back. I thought it was probably the single most terrible movie I have ever seen. Now maybe it's just me and I simply don't have the right sense of humor to truly appreciate a movie of its caliber, but I was hugely disappointed. Beavis and Butthead Do America was a better movie.

The 110th Day

I once had a bumper sticker that had the Hawaiian workday calendar on it and as yesterday went on into hour 19, I began to think about how often Legislative time reflects Hawaiian time

The following is my day (in a nutshell) for the 110th day of the 2005 Legislative session:

The day began at 7am and ended at 4am (door to door)
2 hours were spent in the car
19 hours were spent in Carson City

Out of those 19 hours
8 hours (approx. 5 per house) were spent in floor sessions
3 hours spent in committee hearings
Approx. 8 hours spent waiting for committee meetings and floor sessions to begin while legislators caucuses and and various lobbyists tried one last time to grab legislators' support.

We ran two hours behind on Friday. Not because there was too much work to complete, but because nothing ever begins on time in this building and well...it is politics after all.

Takes a Lickin' and Keeps on Tickin'

This will be my only post for today and probably this weekend. We are very rapidly approaching the end of the session and things have the tendency to get out of control. Like always, I recommend you visit my mom's blog in the meantime. I have said this before and I'll say it again, she has some very fascinating posts that will not only entertain, but educate. Thanks for your patience! Talk to you all soon!

Pick a Card, Any Card

Now that I have my license and a place to work, I am faced with what just may be the single most important decision of my real estate career...choosing my business cards. Then I decided to leave that decision up to all of you.

Check the choices out here and let me know which one you vote for!

Greatest Americans

The Discovery Channel came out with their list of the 100 greatest Americans.

Who are your top five greatest Americans? Why?

Are Rules, Rules?

Check out this article from MSNBC and let me know what you think.

Countdown!

21 days till the end of the legislative session.

27 days till moving day!

(It's getting so close!)

Diary of a Home Owner

Sometimes the littlest things can make you very proud of yourself. I was doing some cleaning this weekend and while I was vacuuming, noticed that the plate the phone jack connects to was missing. Seeing this, I remembered that when I moved in, the plate was cracked and needed to be replaced. (As you can tell I got right on that!)

I decided that this probably wasn't a very good thing to have while trying to sell my house, so on Sunday I decided that I was going to go to the hardware store around the corner and buy a new plate. (I was smart and took inventory for all the other outlet plates before I left so I would only have to make one trip!) I figured that all I would need is another plate, all the wiring was fine and the jack works perfectly. Alas, I was wrong. Apparently nobody's plate just breaks like that, (the very helpful employee looked at me like I was, well...Blonde) you have to replace the entire thing. Yes, this means rewiring the jack. The same very helpful employee very patiently showed me that the plate came with Outlet Wiring for Blondes instructions that included color coded pictures and corresponding wires.

Despite my hair coloring, I was successful! This now makes the second thing I have rewired in my house. (Completely on my own I might add!) Task completed, I just sat back and grinned at myself. (I am such a goof!) I learned a new task, yet another thing to add to my list of weird and/or useless knowledge.

It's Raining, It's Pouring, the Old Man is Snoring.

We had one beautiful day on Saturday and it's back to rain again. I just don't feel like I live in the desert these days. The news keeps saying we need the moisture; but every time it rains, I start to miss the sun. If only we could have rain like Hawaii, with the sun shining and the weather still warm. That would be nice!

Harry Potter

The trailer for the fourth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is available for viewing to the WB site. The movie will come out in November, just in time for Thanksgiving! If you can't wait until then, the sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, will be available in bookstores on July 16. If you reserve your copy at any Borders today you get an automatic 40% off when you pick it up; if you forget to reserve it, you will only receive a 30% discount. (A shameless plug, but I have to tow the company line)

Money, Money, Money, Money...Money

We are fast approaching yet another deadline. With so few days left, things are getting exciting and legislators are fighting to get their ideas heard. Before the session began, Nevadans were told by the Governor that we would be getting a rebate (from $0 to $300) on their vehicle registration. However, the Senator Titus and the Assembly Democrats dislike this idea (probably because they are running for Governor) and have come up with a plan themselves.

Check this link out and let me know what you think!

Oh Canada!

Today is Drug Importation day at the Nevada Legislature so things are a buzzin'

This means I don't have time to post much, so I am just going to leave you with a question and allow you to discuss among yourselves.

Do you think that Nevada should encourage Nevadans to purchase their pharmaceuticals from Canadian pharmacies? (Why or Why not)


Now Discuss....

Countdown!

I haven't done this in a while

26 days till the end of the legislative session.

32 days till moving day!

Diary of a Home Owner

I just have one thing to say today...I really hate having to make my bed everyday.

(and no comments from the peanut gallery Uncle Sheddy!)

Previously on The Amazing Race

Last night was the finale of The Amazing Race on CBS and boy was it exciting! I was practically jumping up and down, rooting for my team. (They came in second) Now normally I don't comment on the episodes, I let snarkwife take care of that since she does such a fabulous job with it. However, today I feel compelled.

The final three came down to Ron and Kelly, (The POW and the beauty queen) Uchenna and Joyce, (The married couple) and Boston Rob and Amber. (The Survivors) Before I get too in depth, let me give you some background.

None of the teams particularly like Boston Rob and Amber because they play the game like they're still on Survivor. They try to outwit, outsmart and outplay their competition and they did it successfully enough to make it to the top three. (and never reach the matt last) On the other hand, everyone loves Uchenna and Joyce. They are helpful and kind to all the other contestants. Compared to their competition, they are perfect angels. Then, somewhere in the middle, are Ron and Kelly. Ron and Kelly are not, by any stretch of the imagination, a match made in Heaven. They are not a cohesive unit, they did nothing but fight with each other the entire race.

When the show started out, Rob and Amber were in first with Uchenna and Joyce pulling up the rear. All three teams traded off the lead pretty well until the flight to Florida. Rob and Amber and Uchenna and Joyce managed not to get lost on the way to airport and got on an earlier flight; Ron and Kelly however, were fighting to much to pay attention to the road signs! (Ahh, visions of Italy) Just a little side note, Mom and I would do fantastic on this show!

Anyway, this put the two teams on the first flight to Florida, neck and neck to the next clue and the finish line. When it comes to the end-game, the smallest mistake can cost you that million dollars. Unfortunately for Rob and Amber, they got lost in Little Havana while Uchenna and Joyce arrived to the matt first. The look on Lynn and Alex's faces when Uchenna and Joyce showed up first was just priceless. They looked like they were going to burst with excitement simply because Rob and Amber didn't win!

Now I was expecting a more dismal welcome when Rob and Amber showed up. In fact I was disappointed that it was so...well, welcoming. What's with that? Hello! These teams hate Rob and Amber. Some of them with an all consuming passion. I want to see some smirking, boos or something to show their true feelings for the couple. They wasted so much time while they were actually racing hating them; where's the drama!!

Ahh, oh well. So Uchenna and Joyce won. Good for them, they are going to use the money for in vitro fertilization and/or adoption. That's awesome! Thinking back to the beginning of the race I really don't remember them fighting each other very much; they respected each other right up to the very end. Rob and Amber were the same way and they got the CBS consolation prize... a beautiful wedding that will be aired on Tuesday, May 24 at 9pm. Ron and Kelly will go their separate ways, Ron will continue to go through life comparing everything to his time as a POW and Kelly will find another hick she can cling to. (Hey, I know a desperate army hick...nope wouldn't wish him on anybody, even someone as annoying as her!)

Drama, drama, drama! I can't wait until season 8, the rumor is it'll be a special "(disfunctional) family edition". Oh goody!

Answers

Okay I promised you the answers to my little quiz last Thursday, well here they are! (just a little late)

Who is second in the line of succession for the Governor's office? (Name is fine, but title is better)
( MR. GAD answers Speaker Perkins)
- Sen. Amodei or President Pro Tempore of the Senate

How does one become the Secretary of the Senate or the Chief Clerk of the Assembly?
(MR. GAD answers they are appointed)
- Claire and Nancy were elected into their positions by their respective bodies.

What has to happen in order to amend the Nevada Constitution? (There are multiple correct answers!)
(MR. GAD - it either has to go to a vote of the people twice and the Legislature once, or the Legislature twice and a vote once.)
- MR. GAD is correct! Just to add, each time it's voted on it must stay in the exact same format.

What does it mean to place a bill on the Secretary's desk?
(MR. GAD says it's dead (chuckles))
- Placing a bill on the Secretary's desk means that the bill is put on hold, it can't move until it's taken off. There can be any number of reasons to put a bill on the Secretary's desk; to get answers to questions, to add an amendment or as MR. GAD said, to kill it.

How often does the legislature meet (does not include special sessions or interim) and for how long do they meet?
(MR. GAD - Every two years for 120 days. BINGO!)
- Once again MR. GAD is correct!

If the President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore are both absent, who presides over the Senate? (Again, either the name or the title will work.)
(MR. GAD - I would guess the Majority leader)
- Nope, sorry. It is in fact the Chairman of the Legislative Operations committee who this session is Sen. Cegavske

Which senate district(s) have multiple Senators?
(MR. GAD - Titus and Care and Heck and Tiffany)
- WooHoo, MR. GAD is on a roll! Sens Titus and Care share a district and so do Sens Heck and Tiffany)

Who has the majority in the Assembly?
(MR. GAD - Ricky? (Chuckles) Democrats)
- Yes, it's the Democrats

What two sport events are legislative traditions?
(MR. GAD - Softball and Basketball)
- Yes, every year the members of the Legislature put on two sports events. The basketball game is played the Republicans versus the Democrats and the softball game is played the Senate versus the Assembly.

Who's portrait overlooks the Assembly and why?
(MR. GAD while looking directly at said painting - Lincoln because Nevada was made a state during his term)
- Correct! This was an easy question because the answer was right here

Where is the legislature located and why?
(MR. GAD - In Carson City, the Capitol!)
- Right answer! (Though many of us would like to see it moved to Vegas where it doesn't snow in April!)

Diary of a Home Owner

In case I haven't told you before, my home in Reno is officially on the market. (Moving day just keeps getting closer and closer.) Oh and did I mention my real estate license came the other day! That's right, I'm legal now.

So add these two things together and you have one very observant seller. Everyday I come home and see little tale tell signs that someone has been in my house. This is fine, sell the house, sell the house, sell the house! However, there are just a couple of things that I have noticed and will file in my brain under things not to do when showing a home.

Leaving lights on
- I know I am weird, we've discovered that already, but I really don't like fluorescent lights and I really can't stand the one in my kitchen. I very rarely use it, so when I come home and it's on, it's quite noticeable. It would be nice if the agent turned off the lights when they leave the room.

Leaving doors and curtains open
- I doubt most people would notice things like this, but I am the daughter of a cop who has lived alone for the last five years. It's in my blood to check for signs of an intruder the minute I open the front door. I notice when the window coverings on the screen door are open and internal doors that where closed aren't. Again a little thing, but still noticeable

These are just two of my pet peeves I have discovered from having my home on the market for the past week. I understand that I am not going to change the behavior of other agents, nor is it my job to, but I can take the things that I have learned and either steal their good ideas or I can learn from their mistakes. Having my house on the market before I myself try to sell someone else's is turning out to be a very valuable lesson.

Germ Warfare

I work in a germ incubator!

Germs have been floating around the building since the beginning of the session, and they finally found me.

Let me tell you, you can take vitamins, a wash your hands, use antibacterial wipes and get as much sleep possible, but eventually it will catch up to you. I guess it's no surprise, the population of the building could rival some of the counties it represents.

Never Fear

On my mother's blog today, she wrote about fear of color. I just want to say, that doesn't seem to be a fear of mine. I love lots of color, in my clothes, sometimes my hair :), and in my house.

In case this is your first visit to my blog, let me bring you up to date. I have a new house and as of Friday it is officially mine! (well, my mother's and the bank's if you want to get technical)It's is cute and as of this moment a blank canvas. (which just makes my fingers itch!)

While I was in Vegas this weekend, my mother, step-mother (Geneva), and I met with a painter then took on the project of picking a color scheme for the house. So off we went to Lowes to pick out paint chips. Between the three of us there were enough differences in taste, that we came up with a palate that is both neutral and colorful. We picked out a great base color and some bright accents. When you look at them all separately, you would never think they all go together, yet they do. I am so excited, I can't wait to see it.

The most difficult part of this entire process is that I'm 400 miles away and can't watch the fun unfold. That's okay, I'll be home soon!

Viva Las Vegas

We close on my new house today! I am off to Vegas to meet with the painter and to hang out with my family. I'll take lots of pictures and post them on Monday.

Photos

Click here to visit the photo gallery of the Nevada State Legislature.

Did You Know?

I was sitting at a table in the cafe the other day and one of the other girls I was sitting with asked a question not really expecting any of us to know the answer. Much to all of our surprise, I knew! It was then that I realized that I know some of the oddest things about the Nevada Legislature, Jeopardy weird. Let's see how you do!

Who is second in the line of succession for the Governor's office? (Name is fine, but title is better)

How does one become the Secretary of the Senate or the Chief Clerk of the Assembly?

What has to happen in order to amend the Nevada Constitution? (There are multiple correct answers!)

What does it mean to place a bill on the Secretary's desk?

How often does the legislature meet (does not include special sessions or interim) and for how long do they meet?

If the President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore are both absent, who presides over the Senate? (Again, either the name or the title will work.)

Which senate district(s) have multiple Senators?

Who has the majority in the Assembly?

What two sport events are legislative traditions?

Who's portrait overlooks the Assembly and why?

And the bonus...

Where is the legislature located and why?

Some of these are easy, especially if you are a regular reader; others are a bit more difficult! Try your best, it's all for fun! I'll post the answers a week from today.

Another Cool Quiz.

Your Brain is 53.33% Female, 46.67% Male

Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female You are both sensitive and savvy Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve

WhatGenderIsYourBrain?

Here We Go Again.

Okay, deadlines met, all bills still alive are now in the other house. Now what?

Now, we start all over again.

Committee meetings have already begun and we are back in the swing of things. No more eerie silences, no more reading romance novels during long floor sessions. Committee meetings are being scheduled again and so the fight to get things done your way begins again. We have until May 20 to get bills out of their new committees and where the building has that beginning of session feeling, some things have changed. Alliances have been made and broken and emotions are high. Added to that you've already stated your position, so your opponents are ready with a good defense. You now have to work harder and be more dilgent to get your position heard. Though you may want to, now is not the time to relax, but instead to be on top of your game, always keeping in mind 'There is more then one way to kill a bill, but only one way to pass it.'

Opps!

Here is the link to the cities quiz.

Coutdown!

41 days till the end of the legislative session.

47 days till moving day!

The Calm Before the Storm.

I walked into the legislative building today and there was this eerie quiet all over. Usually there are people just hanging out, trying to grab the attention of various lawmakers. There is a certain excitement in the air, a low buzz of activity. This was not the case this morning. I walked in and there was barely anyone about; no one was sitting at the tables in the cafe and only a handful of members occupied the lobbyist room. Everyone is tired and simply wanting the day to end.

You see, today is yet another deadline. Today is the day that all bills, except those exempt, are supposed to be passed out of their first house. If your bills hasn't come up for a vote by midnight tonight, your SOL. Both houses will be going into their first floor session for the day at 10:30 and the excitement and fun will begin once again. In the mean time, the quiet is kind of nice. At least it gives me the opportunity to get some work done.

This is cool!

American Cities That Best Fit You:

75% Atlanta

55% Honolulu

55% Las Vegas

55% Los Angeles

55% Washington, DC

Which'>http://www.blogthings.com/americancitiesbestfitquiz/">Which American Cities Best Fit You?

Countdown!

42 days till the end of the legislative session.

48 days till moving day!

Coming Soon!

Yes, I know it has been forever since I have written anything, I have been very lazy.

I was working at the bookstore the other day and I realized that there are so many good books coming out!

4th of July - James Patterson
- This is the fourth book in the Women's Murder Club series
Release date: 5/2/05

A Date with the Other Side - Erin McCarthy
Release date: Any day now (yes, this is a technical term)

Countdown - Iris Johansen
- This is the next book in the Eve Duncan series. The main character is her adoptive daughter Jane all grown up!
Release date: 5/10/05

Black Rose - Nora Roberts
- This is the second book in the In the Garden trilogy
Release date: 5/31/05

Devil's Corner - Lisa Scottoline
Release date: 5/31/05


I can't wait!

Countdown!

47 days till the end of the legislative session.

53 days till moving day!

Snow!?!

Snow? In April?

The past two days I have had to put up with snow. Now this wouldn't be so bad, except this weekend it was beautiful; like 75 degree, capri wearing, sunroof open weather. On Monday, I was at the Borders in Carson to get a CD before going back to the office (which is literally five minutes away) and catching up on paperwork. It was bright and sunny in the Borders' parking lot, yet snowing at the office. Huh?

No more snow! It's April and I have cute new capris to wear! Stop with this crazy weather. Today the weather is supposed to be in the 60s, hopefully too warm to snow, though it is northern Nevada so you never know.

Okay, I just checked the weather report, rain all weekend!!
(so much for living in the desert) :)

Countdown!

52 days till the end of the legislative session.

58 days till moving day!

Time Management

Right now I don't have time to do much of anything but work and sleep. It's okay, I love my job. However, there are days when I wish I had more time.

I love watching television. I have favorite shows like The Amazing Race, Alias and West Wing and I have others that before I started working in Carson, I couldn't live without. However, getting up at 4 am makes it very difficult to watch The Daily Show at 11 pm. I also miss shows like Countdown with my man Keith because I am no longer home in time to catch it.

Never fail, I have found a solution.

As I have said before, I believe T.V. on DVD is a fabulous invention. (I recently just picked up season 4 of The West Wing and season 2 of CSI Miami) I can also read weekly recaps of my favorite reality shows (Amazing Race and Survivor - thanks to Bryna) on TVTome.com and my news shows like Countdown and The Daily Show have blogs and websites that I can visit while at work supposedly paying very close attention to what everyone is saying. :) (Wi-Fi and a laptop can entertain you for hours when your stuck in a committee listening to people talk about labor unions.) This allows me to have my daily fix of my shows. I know it's not the same as actually watching the shows, but it'll last me until June!