So the bank came back and renovations are out for now. Even though the appraisal for the value after renovations came back at $270K (and they had said we needed at least $250K) it was still denied by CMHC as it would eat up all the equity that we currently have in the house. Since we have no plans to move in the next two decades we didn’t see it as a problem but they don’t see it that way.
We had to notify our renovator again. He was quite understanding about it. We look forward to trying to proceed again with this at a later date. We’ll give it a few years and try again. In the mean time, we’ll have to move D3 into the basement – which means that I’ll lose my room (which, since it was cubically packed, I wasn't getting too much use out of anyways).
So the plan now is to move a bunch of our boxes from storage in the basement to off-site storage. Then we’ll move everything out of my room into either the space created or into off-site storage. Then D3 gets moved into my former room and we'll have to reconfigure the downstairs as needed. Then we’ll also have to reconfigure D3’s and G’s room into being just hers.
It’s going to be a busy summer.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Thor
We took Shan to see Thor on the weekend – for Mother’s Day. I had a few concerns before seeing it but was very pleased with the way they had managed them. While I had occasionally read the Thor comics I didn’t follow it closely so, while it seemed fine to me, more faithful readers may have issues. I am fairly conversant with Norse mythology, unlike some of the other people we saw it with – but both sides were able to follow along.
Thor is portrayed as a belligerent bully only interested in glory and gets humbled by his time on earth. His costume, another Kirby one, made the translation to the big screen without too much modification. The look of Mjolnir, and its use was very consistant to the comics - the spinning, throwing, steadfastness, and return were all well represented. Odin, Heimdall, and Lady Sif are all handled well. The Warriors Three appear in more than just a cameo, Jane Foster comes across a bit goofy but plausible.
I did have a bit of an issue with the movie making it look like Odin lost his eye in battle with the frost giants instead of giving it up for knowledge but most people won’t know anything amiss about it. The Rainbow Bridge was a bit cheesy but still worked. I really liked how Thor explained the World Tree to Jane - it helped to bridge the myth vs science part very well.
Who really stands out is Loki. Not only does he actually wear the crazy Kirby-horned helmet, but they actually made it look not goofy. He is portrayed as scheming more to bring about a good end rather than scheming for evil’s sake – Luthor and Doom could definitely take note here. It’s a lot easier to see him as a misguided hero than a two-dimensional villain. I think he was very well done.
Little nods to long-time fans include the references to Donald Blake, the appearance of Stan ‘the Man’ Lee, the billboard listing “Land of Enchantment, Journey Into Mystery” (Thor first appeared and starred in the comic Journey Into Mystery before eventually getting his own self-titled book), and Hawkeye. While barely seen on camera, the sarcastic wit in his brief scene really makes me look forward to Hawkeye’s next appearance. Shan may be a big Green Arrow fan, but I’ve always been a bigger fan of Hawkeye.
All and all, we were very pleased with the film. I feel it felt true to both of the source materials (comics and myths). The costumes and look were true enough to the comics style and the sense of a bigger world that the Marvel comics do so well was handled well. I think it is a good addition to the Marvel set of movies and will help bring nonreaders up to speed in preparation for the Avengers film.
Thor is portrayed as a belligerent bully only interested in glory and gets humbled by his time on earth. His costume, another Kirby one, made the translation to the big screen without too much modification. The look of Mjolnir, and its use was very consistant to the comics - the spinning, throwing, steadfastness, and return were all well represented. Odin, Heimdall, and Lady Sif are all handled well. The Warriors Three appear in more than just a cameo, Jane Foster comes across a bit goofy but plausible.
I did have a bit of an issue with the movie making it look like Odin lost his eye in battle with the frost giants instead of giving it up for knowledge but most people won’t know anything amiss about it. The Rainbow Bridge was a bit cheesy but still worked. I really liked how Thor explained the World Tree to Jane - it helped to bridge the myth vs science part very well.
Who really stands out is Loki. Not only does he actually wear the crazy Kirby-horned helmet, but they actually made it look not goofy. He is portrayed as scheming more to bring about a good end rather than scheming for evil’s sake – Luthor and Doom could definitely take note here. It’s a lot easier to see him as a misguided hero than a two-dimensional villain. I think he was very well done.
Little nods to long-time fans include the references to Donald Blake, the appearance of Stan ‘the Man’ Lee, the billboard listing “Land of Enchantment, Journey Into Mystery” (Thor first appeared and starred in the comic Journey Into Mystery before eventually getting his own self-titled book), and Hawkeye. While barely seen on camera, the sarcastic wit in his brief scene really makes me look forward to Hawkeye’s next appearance. Shan may be a big Green Arrow fan, but I’ve always been a bigger fan of Hawkeye.
All and all, we were very pleased with the film. I feel it felt true to both of the source materials (comics and myths). The costumes and look were true enough to the comics style and the sense of a bigger world that the Marvel comics do so well was handled well. I think it is a good addition to the Marvel set of movies and will help bring nonreaders up to speed in preparation for the Avengers film.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
FCBD - results
Saturday was Free Comic Book Day. We hit Galaxy Comics and Comics Factory IV as usual. In addition to the free comics, and Green Lantern Herocix, we also picked up some comic and magazine boxes, some comics and graphic novels.
We also popped in to Pendragon Games. We picked up another copy of Crimson Skies (WizKids), the card games Ren Faire and Weapons of Mass Destruction, and G picked up Chicken Pox and Mad Cow Disease (like beanie babies but with cutesy diseases).
We also popped in to Michaels and picked up some fabric markers and t-shirts to make the kids some cup-o-dirt shirts.
We also popped in to Pendragon Games. We picked up another copy of Crimson Skies (WizKids), the card games Ren Faire and Weapons of Mass Destruction, and G picked up Chicken Pox and Mad Cow Disease (like beanie babies but with cutesy diseases).
We also popped in to Michaels and picked up some fabric markers and t-shirts to make the kids some cup-o-dirt shirts.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Books read January to April - 2011
Jan
Starship Troopers RPG – The United Citizen’s Federation by Greg Lynch
Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer
The Battles of the War of 1812 by Pierre Berton
The DC Comics Guide to Pencilling Comics by Klaus Janson
Steampunk Style Jewelry by Jean Campbell
Jewelry Design Challenge by Linda Kopp
Feb
Last Words by George Carlin with Tony Hendra
Leather Jewelry: 30 Contemporary Projects by Nathalie Mornu
The Difference Engine: Charles Babbage and the Quest to Build the First Computer by Doron Swade
Dust City by Robert Paul Weston
Blood Lines: Richard Matheson’s Dracula, I Am Legend, and other Vampire Stories edited by Mark Dawidziak
Intercepting Fist – The Films of Bruce Lee and the Golden Age of Kung-Fu Cinema by Jack Hunter
Ceramic Bead Jewelry: 30 fired & inspired projects by Jennifer Heynen
Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics by Stan Lee
Mar
Creative Silver Chains: 20 Dazzling Designs by Chantal Lise Saunders
Creating Comics – 47 Master Artists Reveal the Techniques and Inspiration Behind Their Comic Genius by Judith Salavetz & Spencer Drate
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz
American Conspiracies by Jesse Ventura with Dick Russell
The People: A Historical Guide to the First Nations of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by Donald Ward
The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling
Apr
Creative Woodcarving for Beginners: Basic Techniques – 50 Projects by Reinhold Budeker, Jorg Hille, Nicola Mazrek, Mareen Pries & Karsten Selke
Halloween Trivia: ghosts, Ghouls, Skeletons, Vampires, Witches, Graveyards, Spiders, Zombies, Haunted Houses by Tonya Lambert
George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt by Lucy & Stephen Hawking
Infernal Devices by K.W. Jeter
Starship Troopers RPG – The United Citizen’s Federation by Greg Lynch
Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer
The Battles of the War of 1812 by Pierre Berton
The DC Comics Guide to Pencilling Comics by Klaus Janson
Steampunk Style Jewelry by Jean Campbell
Jewelry Design Challenge by Linda Kopp
Feb
Last Words by George Carlin with Tony Hendra
Leather Jewelry: 30 Contemporary Projects by Nathalie Mornu
The Difference Engine: Charles Babbage and the Quest to Build the First Computer by Doron Swade
Dust City by Robert Paul Weston
Blood Lines: Richard Matheson’s Dracula, I Am Legend, and other Vampire Stories edited by Mark Dawidziak
Intercepting Fist – The Films of Bruce Lee and the Golden Age of Kung-Fu Cinema by Jack Hunter
Ceramic Bead Jewelry: 30 fired & inspired projects by Jennifer Heynen
Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics by Stan Lee
Mar
Creative Silver Chains: 20 Dazzling Designs by Chantal Lise Saunders
Creating Comics – 47 Master Artists Reveal the Techniques and Inspiration Behind Their Comic Genius by Judith Salavetz & Spencer Drate
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz
American Conspiracies by Jesse Ventura with Dick Russell
The People: A Historical Guide to the First Nations of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by Donald Ward
The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling
Apr
Creative Woodcarving for Beginners: Basic Techniques – 50 Projects by Reinhold Budeker, Jorg Hille, Nicola Mazrek, Mareen Pries & Karsten Selke
Halloween Trivia: ghosts, Ghouls, Skeletons, Vampires, Witches, Graveyards, Spiders, Zombies, Haunted Houses by Tonya Lambert
George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt by Lucy & Stephen Hawking
Infernal Devices by K.W. Jeter
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Renovations - second chance
So I had a nice chat with the bank manager. It did look like the rep we had been dealing with had mixed up the plans and forgotten about our primary renovation option - with just the second floor. Even though this had been our main goal originally.
The end result is that we are resubmitting the info and they will have an appraiser re-evaluate the second floor renovations alone and see if it helps the numbers to get our approval. I contacted the contractor and he seems pretty good about it. He sent through an updated detailed quote and I have forwarded it along to the bank.
The manager said that they'll try to push it along a bit quicker and hopes to let me know (one way or the other) by next weekend. If it is approved and we still have our slot, it could be a whirlwind time for the next month as we pack and get things ready.
It might be a bit of a hassle, but it would be one I would gladly go through for the end result.
Interesting times.
The end result is that we are resubmitting the info and they will have an appraiser re-evaluate the second floor renovations alone and see if it helps the numbers to get our approval. I contacted the contractor and he seems pretty good about it. He sent through an updated detailed quote and I have forwarded it along to the bank.
The manager said that they'll try to push it along a bit quicker and hopes to let me know (one way or the other) by next weekend. If it is approved and we still have our slot, it could be a whirlwind time for the next month as we pack and get things ready.
It might be a bit of a hassle, but it would be one I would gladly go through for the end result.
Interesting times.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
April figure buying total
So a few more bits came in to complete the following:
40K Trygon/Mawloc (in bits) – 1
40K Gargoyles (in bits) - 10
40K Tyranid Warriors (in bits) – 3
Apr figures bought – 14, figures painted – 0
Running total 2011 – figures bought 192, figures painted 0
I really need to wash the animal figures and base them to make a good dent on my total for this year.
40K Trygon/Mawloc (in bits) – 1
40K Gargoyles (in bits) - 10
40K Tyranid Warriors (in bits) – 3
Apr figures bought – 14, figures painted – 0
Running total 2011 – figures bought 192, figures painted 0
I really need to wash the animal figures and base them to make a good dent on my total for this year.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Renovations – denied
So the bank came back and is now saying that they don’t want to lend anything for any renovations. This is certainly a surprise to us as the only reason we were even trying for the full renovation amount was based on the understanding that the second floor renovations were going to be no problems. After all, if we there was any question about being able to afford a $130K renovation project, why would we try asking for $240 instead?
I’m going in to talk to the bank manager next week to complain about the agent. I don’t expect anything to change about the loan but I do want to express my displeasure about the agent and ensure that we never have to deal with her ever again. We’ve dealt with her twice over the years and been frustrated both times. A third time when she was on holidays we got to deal with a different agent and had a wonderful experience.
As frustrated as we feel about this, we feel even worse about our renovator – who had done proposals and floorplans and who we had told to pencil us in for starting in June. He had been great and we were looking forward to dealing with him for this. Now he’s going to have to try to move up other projects or get a project to fill the slot that we're leaving empty. I told him about our meeting next week but to start looking for some other project as I don't expect a different result. If we somehow manage to get approval for our minimum renovations we'll just add on the end of his list.
Regardless, the game room is out. We’re going to have to look into getting a storage locker and cleaning out my room and our storage room and moving the boy downstairs. It’s not our first choice, but it should be workable for a few years until we get to try again.
I’m so looking forward to going through this again.
I’m going in to talk to the bank manager next week to complain about the agent. I don’t expect anything to change about the loan but I do want to express my displeasure about the agent and ensure that we never have to deal with her ever again. We’ve dealt with her twice over the years and been frustrated both times. A third time when she was on holidays we got to deal with a different agent and had a wonderful experience.
As frustrated as we feel about this, we feel even worse about our renovator – who had done proposals and floorplans and who we had told to pencil us in for starting in June. He had been great and we were looking forward to dealing with him for this. Now he’s going to have to try to move up other projects or get a project to fill the slot that we're leaving empty. I told him about our meeting next week but to start looking for some other project as I don't expect a different result. If we somehow manage to get approval for our minimum renovations we'll just add on the end of his list.
Regardless, the game room is out. We’re going to have to look into getting a storage locker and cleaning out my room and our storage room and moving the boy downstairs. It’s not our first choice, but it should be workable for a few years until we get to try again.
I’m so looking forward to going through this again.
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