LS Real Estate, Inc.

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: March 2012 Edition

2012-03-02T17:59:00.002-08:00

March2012

Dear Friends andFamily,

It's Marcheveryone! I don't know about you, but as for me, I really like this monthbecause it means the start of something new that I love: the start of spring! Ilove me some winter, but there is just something so pretty and promising aboutspring: a new season, new plants, new weather, and just new life all around. Solet's dive into this month!

So, since we areon the topic of new, I will let you in on a little secret. Recently, I havebeen challenged to start trying some new things in my life, to start takingsome small risks, to try out something different. I have always consideredmyself to be a person who enjoys new experiences, so at first I wasn't surewhere this challenge was coming from. From my standpoint, I felt like I wasalways trying new things all the time. However, after thinking about it for oh,like five seconds, I realized that perhaps I had been fooling myself. I recognizedthat I had become an extreme creature of habit without even knowing it. Thatbrain of mine tricked me! I thought I was Miss I Do New And Different ThingsAll The Time! but I was really Miss I Do The Exact Same Thing As Last Time.

For instance, Ialways carry out my morning routine in the exact same way. I always washed myface before I washed my hair and never after, and I always brushed my teethafter putting in my contacts and never before. Never. I think that somehow Iwas convinced that I was Indiana Jones in some ancient cursed temple, where Ihad to tread on exactly the right stones and carry out every step in theprocess to get the treasure in just the right way or else some spikes from theceiling or poisoned darts from the walls would shoot out and kill me orsomething! Except, of course, this, just like all the rest of my crazyimaginings, turned out not to be true. One day when I washed my face at the endof my shower and not before, I discovered that...absolutely nothing happened. Idouble checked the walls and ceiling for spikes and poison darts, but the onlything that I discovered upon my inspection were the slightly grubby tiles thathave always been there. So, as cool as it is to think that you're Indiana Jonesin a forbidden temple, it's also nice to realize that you're not. It's nice torealize sometimes that you are just in your safe yet slightly damp bathroom,and that there are no Nazis or cursed spirits hunting you down, and the onlything that could possibly threaten to kill you is your roommate if you make toomuch noise getting ready in the morning. But even that I don't even reallyworry about since, usually, she's pretty darn nice.

So, ever since I hadthis epiphany, I have begun a quest to become the Try Something New Girl!Granted, I haven't gone crazy or anything, and that's okay by me. I don't seeany cliff diving, or bungee jumping, or sky diving in my future as of now, butsometimes you have to start small, right? So, now, instead of parking in thesame place every day, and sitting in the same row at church, and buying a lotof the same food at the grocery store, I am all over the place. I am now findingnew routes home, trying new foods, new laundry detergents, closer and betterparking spots, new lip glosses, makeup, and body wash! Heck, I even tried thecarnitas at Chipotle and I never triednor thought I would try the carnitas at Chipotle. And you know what? It'spretty darn good! I may even get it next time! I just don't know where themadness will stop!

However, what Ido know is this: I think that I am actually liking this new stage of my life. I always thought I already had all of mylikes, favorites and preferences firmly in place, but now, I realize that it'smuch more fun and exciting to find out if you like even more stuff than you didbefore! Who says that there's a limit to the things you can like and enjoy? I don't know who says it, but I'm notlistening to them. And you may ask, but Joy, what if you try something new andyou don't like it? Good question readers, good question, and that has beenprecisely the very question I have been asking myself most of this time...andyou know what, I discovered that not liking something new is perfectly finetoo! Remember, this is not Indiana Jones land, I promise you. So, as cool asthat might be (minus the cursed spirits and spikes and snakes), I realized thateven if you don't like something you try, nothing really bad happens. You justcheck that off your list and go off in search of more new stuff. So yeah, thatwill be me this March, trying new things all over Los Angeles.

Moreover, sinceyou, my lovely readers, are such an important part of my life, I wanted to trysomething new with you guys too. I am realizing that as much as I write andtalk to you, I don't often get to hear back, and I would love to hear from you!So, this is what I'm going to try, so work with me here. From now on, I amgoing to include in my letter not only a bunch of my random thoughts andramblings, but also some questions to give you a chance to respond. Then afteryou read it, and if you think you might actually want to share with me youranswers, then you can post the feedback here at the blog.Plus, I just created, in the very midst of writing this letter, a brand newemail just for you guys to share with me, The Lowly Office Aid. Veryappropriately named, my new email is lowlyofficeaid@lsrealestate.net! I would love foryou guys to blow up my inbox with any feedback, questions, comments, and ideas,or any random or awesome stuff you would like to share with me! I am excited tobe taking our relationship to the next level! I really appreciate all of youwho read this faithfully every month, and I can't wait to hear back from you. So now that my room is running out, I willgive you my questions for this month: What new things would you like to try? What are some thingsthat you would like me to try? Whatthings are you afraid to try? What do you refuse to change? What do like orhate about trying new things?

Well, my friends,we have reached the end so now, I must leave you, but don't worry, it's onlyfor a while. So in the mean time I leave you now with all of my best wishes fora happy March, a great start to spring, and a whole month full of fun, new, andexciting things!

And Don't Forget to Answer the Quiz Question Here!

Signing Off,

Joy Jasmine Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

LS Real Estate

lowlyofficeaid@lsrealestate.net

Mr. Chipotle Tacosays,

"Yes! I havefinally accomplished my lifelong mission to get Joy to like carnitas! I am onestep closer to complete world domination! Mwahahahaha..."

The February Newsletter is Here!

2012-02-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

Read it Here!

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From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: February 2012 Edition

2012-02-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

February 2012

Take our Quiz Question Here!

DearFriends and Family,

We areofficially one month down in 2012. Now only eleven more to go. We can do it,right? January passed by in a blurry whirl, and I am a little bewildered tofind that February is already here. No longer is it the new year, but thegently used year. I still don't understand just how time works. I mean yes, Iknow that it goes by...but why is it that when you are looking forward tosomething is seems forever away, and then when you get it, everything passes soby so quickly that before you know it, it's all over. Maybe you guys have theanswer, but I know I certainly don't.

Forinstance, my birthday celebration is long gone, although I feel like I had beenexpecting and expecting it, and then it happened, and it was great, but now allof a sudden it's not even the same month. However, despite the time elapse, allthe evidence of it, the gifts and balloons and cards, heck, even my last pieceof cake, still lurk around my house, waiting for me to put them away. Personally,I just wish they would put themselves away. It hasn't happened yet, so I mightjust have to give up on that dream. Such lazy gift bags these days. All they dois lie around and take up precious floor space and block drawers I need to getinto. Oh wait. Maybe that's my own fault. Woops.

I remindyou that my house is quite small, and after all of these holidays she hasdefinitely gained some Christmas and birthday weight, or, as they say it on thestreets, she's got too much junk in her trunk (bedroom, actually, but you getthe gist, right?) Needless to say, I am in the process of trying to store allthe lovely gifts I have received intoany nook or cranny that I can discover. I guess I really have no room tocomplain, it sounds pretty silly to have issues with getting too many gifts.It's definitely not a problem. I assure you. Or, if it is, it is a very goodproblem to have. But seriously, I totally wish that Mary Poppin's carpet bagexisted in real life and that I owned it. That lady is luckier than she knows.She probably isn't even using that thing to full capacity. She is hogging allthe precious magic carpet bag space!

If onlyI had it I would show that carpet bag just how magical it actually is. It wouldbe amazing. Just think of it! All of my stuff would fit into one very spacesaving bag. Ahhh...what a dream. Those vacuum sealed space bags would be a jokecompared to my magic carpet bag. Sorry, Mary, I am officially stealing it fromyou. I guess though, the only issue with a suitcase with supposedly infinitespace is that it would probably be really hard to find stuff. It would be theworld's biggest and most annoying purse (all you females reading this right nowI am sure understand me. Why is it that no matter how small or organized yourpurse is, you can never find what you need?) Shoot, now this carpet bag isstarting to sound less appealing. If it takes me an hour to find everythingthat I need, that may just turn my dream into a nightmare. For now, I will justhave to stick with reality. No more magic carpet bag for me. The reality isthat all I have is a suitcase with one busted zipper and a very finite and verydusty Rubbermaid container under my bed. I guess that will have to do.

Oh andbefore I forget to tell all of you, Happy early Valentine's Day! I wouldn'tdare forget to wish my dear readers lotsof love in honor of the nationally recognized holiday of love! I hope it is awonderful day for you all. As for myself, it will just be a fairly normal day.As I am still living in single town, and have neither a significant other, noram still a child, Valentine's Day this year will just be...Tuesday. I mightwear pink or red or something, but that's probably all I will do. I stillmaintain that Valentine's Day is awesome when you are a kid. Personally, Ialways loved getting those little Power Ranger and Winnie the Pooh valentinesfrom all of my friends. Now I don't get any valentines. I could buy my own, butI think that would be just a little weird. I guess though, now that I'm anadult, I do get better things overall, like pay checks. Yes, getting paychecksis really way more awesome than getting valentines from all my school friends.The only way my paychecks could be more awesome (besides them being bigger) isif, like my childhood valentines, they had pictures of the Power Rangers or theTransformers or Batman on all my pay stubs telling me "You did a greatjob!" or "Keep up the good work!" Now that would be truly epic...UCLAHuman Resources, please take note. I'm just saying, a good job from OptimusPrime would really motivate me is all I'm saying. I just think it would be niceto be recognized by the most elite member of a band of crime fightingrobot-aliens. Am I right? I don't think anyone can argue with that.

However,now it is my time to go, and so again, on behalf of LS Real Estate, I wish youall a wonderful February and a love-filled Valentine's Day. I know I'm notOptimus Prime or Batman, but I hope it's good enough just coming from me.You'll hear from me again in March! So until then, I am...


Signing Off,

JoyJasmine Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

LS Real Estate

Mr.Suitcase says, "Joy keeps going on and on about how cool Mary Poppin'scarpet bag is, but look at me. For goodness sake, I have arms, legs, and aface! I am way more magical than that old thing."

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: January 2012 Edition

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 2012

Take our Quiz Question Here

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy New Year Readers! 2012 is upon us! Bye-bye December and hello January! I have always been particularly fond of January for several reasons. For one reason, it is a month of pure winter, a season that I love. A month full of cold weather (or at least cold-ish weather here in So Cal) coats, scarves, and cuddling up with a blanket and a good book, nothing could be more delightful to me. I also love that it's the start of something new, and who doesn't. First you get a bunch of lovely Christmas presents to unwrap, and then a week later something even better comes, a whole new year wrapped up in a big metaphorical bow for you to symbolically unwrap and most literally enjoy.

However, probably the biggest reason why I like January is that it is, in fact, my birthday month. So, as you can see, I am a bit biased. This particular January I will turn the big 2-4. They don't make any cards for that year at Hallmark, but I still think it's quite special. It is a confirmation that I am turning more and more adult every year. I am ever surprised that they keep adding a number to my age every year. I feel sometimes that they ought to take a number away from me, but anyways, 24 it is. Let's see if I can live up to the number.

However, before I get caught up with all the newness of 2012, I guess I ought to reflect on Christmas before I forget about it. We had a nice Christmas indeed. Mom made her famous fudge (which I once reported to my first grade teacher, along with my mom's pork chops, to be my favorite food) and the "Happy Birthday Jesus Cake" which is strawberry flavored (Jesus's favorite? I have no idea) and wreath shaped. While Mom took care of the sweet side, or at least the carby side, as she made my favorite cheesy potatoes as well, Dad took care of the...well...meatier matters. Carnivorous concerns are purely his. And boy, a true carnivore he proved himself to be. Any self-respecting T-Rex would have been proud because he didn't just provide and prepare one meat, or even two, but a solid three including a 24 pound turkey, a 10 pound ham, and two 4.5 pound solid legs of lamb. All I can say is yum and- thank you. All this glorious food supplies me with just about the best meal of the year, and subsequently, the best leftovers of the year. Thank goodness I have a week off to enjoy them. I get one week to enjoy the holiday dream land of decorations, presents, and excellent edibles.

Soon, though, too soon I fear, I will have go back to my babies at work and back to real life. No more Christmas dream land with its twinkling lights, stockings hung with care, presents under the tree, shiny ornaments or even scrumptious leftovers. Nope, it will just be back to normal life at my little "half-pint" house (as my roommate and I affectionately call it) with its normally lighted and not necessarily glowing fluorescent bulbs, back to my downstairs (which is to say the only type of "stairs" I have back in LA) kitchen adjacent, cozy little bedroom. As for the food, there will be no more turkey, no more lamb, and no more ham, no more fudge, baklava, ice cream, or my favorite potatoes. We will just leave it behind in magic holiday land where I can only return to for one week a year, and what a splendid week it is. But alas, no one can stay there forever. Oh no sir-ee. That wouldn't be such a good idea, because you can have too much of a good thing, as they say. If I tried to stay there forever I am pretty sure I would be 300 pounds by next Christmas and also at least 300 dollars in the hole on account of sitting in my pajamas and enjoying the holiday bliss for a bit too long. So back to the real world it is for me. Back to my oatmeal in the mornings, and my cottage cheese in the afternoon, and my Chipotle (if I'm lucky) dinners, and so that is that.

I hope you and yours had an equally lovely Christmas and I wish you all a divine New Year as well! Here's to 2012-- I already know that it's going to be a good one! See you in February.

Signing Off,

Joy Jasmine Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

LS Real Estate

"I thought I was the luckiest ham in the grocery store when I found out that I was purchased by the famous John Ellis, the best ham preparer in town! All the other hams were jealous."

December 2011 Newsletter

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

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From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: December 2011 Edition

2011-12-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

December 2011

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Dear Friends and Family,

December has arrived, everyone! If you are like me, then you can probably hardly believe it. I feel like I was just getting used to autumn, and now, BAM! it's winter all of a sudden. I feel like it's so hard for us So-Californians because every day it just looks the same outside, so there is nothing easing us from one season to the next. Sure it get slightly colder, but that's it. Okay, maybe the occasional rain too, but still. There's nothing like a good snow storm to announce the winter, but for us that's just not an option. I actually heard a song the other day that says it isn't Christmas without snow, so according to that, sorry guys, I guess the holiday is null and void for all of us without those pretty white crystal flakes falling from the sky. It just doesn't seem quite fair though. It's not our fault that it doesn't snow. I guess we'll just have to write our own version of the song, and it will be called "It's Always Christmas Without Snow". That's much more appropriate for us.

Anyways, now that Christmas time is in full swing, it's time for lots of shopping. Perhaps you already started this past Black Friday. I personally didn't, even though, like a lot of girls, I enjoy a good shopping trip. However, I do not consider a shopping trip "good" when it's at 4am. I would rather be sleeping, thank you very much. Last year was my only taste of Black Friday madness. A friend of mine convinced me to go to Old Navy at midnight after Thanksgiving and I was like, sure, what the heck, it probably won't be that crowded. I was terribly wrong. It seemed like everyone awoke from their Thanksgiving food coma with a new appetite to shop instead of eat. And so, fueled on thousands of calories of turkey and pumpkin pie, out came half of the Fullerton and La Habra area to Old Navy. I had just come along for the experience because I had never done any Black Friday shopping, but some of these people were serious about their performance fleece and scoop neck long sleeve shirts. I did buy several items myself which gave me that small feeling of satisfaction which is what I am sure drives a lot of people out into the stores at such ungodly times of night, but I don't know how they do it year after year because after grabbing my items any warm fuzzy feelings of shopping satisfaction soon vanished when I snapped back into reality.

For you see, picking out your items is only one half of the shopping equation, and as I especially realized that night, the only half that is pleasurable. The next half--and I mean the paying half of the equation--was, on this occasion, not only not pleasurable, but was extremely painful. Let me explain. As my eyes slowly lifted their gaze from my new shirts, pajamas, and socks all with their marked down price tags, my grin soon turned to a frown as I realized that the mass of people wrapping around the store weren't doing that for fun but because that was the line. Soon, I too entered the line like all of those other masochistic shoppers because personally, I didn't want to run out into the cold and get caught for shoplifting.

Then two hours later, yes I did mean two hours, I exited the line with a bagful of clothes, but also with two very sore feet and one tired and annoyed brain. At least when I stand in line at Disneyland I can say that I got to go on a cool ride after all that waiting. This time though, all I got at the end was a skinnier wallet and a few basic clothing staples. Woo hoo. I tried to justify what I had just done, but I couldn't. I just spent how much time in line for how much money off? However, I couldn't go back and change the past. I could only learn for next year. Needless to say, this year I was sound asleep at 2a.m. Friday morning where last year I had been in line. I had got all that Black Friday nonsense out of me last year, and I am happy to report that this year I was able to enjoy my post-Thanksgiving day sleep unfettered by any shopping concerns.

I hope all of you had a lovely Thanksgiving, whether or not that included any Black Friday shenanigans. Obviously, it isn't my cup of tea, but if you are into that whole let's-lose-sleep-and-shop-instead, then go for it! Now that my page has run its course, it is time for me to bid you all adieu. May your December be merry and bright, even if it is snow free. Enjoy the Christmas season with all of your friends and family, and I will write you again for the new year. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from me The Lowly Office Aid, and from all of us at LS Real Estate!

Signing Off,

Joy Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

LS Real Estate

Miss Black Friday Shopper says,

"Why waste time lying in bed asleep, when you can just drink 27 lattes and get your all of your holiday shopping in one night. In my opinion, you can sleep when you're dead!"

November 2011 Newsletter

2011-11-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

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Brought to you by LS Real Estate

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: November 2011 Edition

2011-11-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

November 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

November has arrived, and along with the change in the weather and the color of the foliage, the newsletter is also turning a new leaf. Now the Lowly Office Aid will be flying solo! My letter will come to you, my lovely readers, at the beginning of every month and the new newsletter will show up on its own on the fifteenth. We hope you will like the new style! I know that change is not always easy, but have no fear, The Lowly Office Aid is here! I will not let you go through this alone, I will still be here every month. So let's get on with the show!

I know that last month I was very much in resistance mode in terms of the new season, but this month, in order to set a good example for everyone, I am fully embracing the change. I think I would be considered insane if I didn't. I admit it.

Summer is officially over. The temperature has officially dropped. The wind outside has picked up, and now our tower fan is finally getting some much needed rest. The leaves are changing colors and dropping like flies all around LA. (Well, at least the ones that can. The palm trees are still firmly green and intact.) My bathing suit is pushed deep into the back of the drawer, not to be seen again for months, and the sweaters and long sleeves are making their much needed reappearance. So I will say it now, if I haven't said it before--Fall is here, and I am trying to take full advantage of it.

For instance, during my recent trip to the grocery store, I went in with my list of the usual staples: milk, cereal, fruit, vegetables, etc... and of course, I purchased all of those things, but how could I leave without taking home some edible autumnal delights that seemed to be around every corner? So before I could stop myself, I had already caved in to the grocery store's strategically placed marketing tactics. When I got home to unload my bags, I found that I had come home with not only spiced apple cider and dried apple rings, but also pumpkin granola, pumpkin muffin mix, and pumpkin cream cheese. Yes, yes, I know, I went a little pumpkin crazy, but how could I resist! They were practically calling my name! "Joy...Joy...Come over here...pick us up...buy us...you know you can't enjoy us but one season a year...you know you want us..." And so just like that, I fell prey to their siren song, and now I am gladly drowning in pumpkin goodness. And you know what? That is only the beginning of my pumpkin obsession.

It all started a few weeks ago, when I attended a fall party where traditional and international UCLA students mingled together and delighted in everything fall. To eat, we had traditional and delicious comfort food like Mac n' Cheese and pigs in a blanket, and after we had all chowed down there were many, many desserts to indulge in-- including, of course, pumpkin scones. Thus, me and pumpkin recommenced our love affair. As much as I tried, I could not avoid his advances, because as soon as we finished, guess what? It was time to carve pumpkins. My fate was sealed.

It felt so good to be reunited with dear pumpkin. It had been too long. I even had the pleasure of introducing two Chinese girls to the charms of pumpkin. They had never carved a jack-o-lantern before, and they had a blast giving their pumpkin a mischievous grin. After I helped them, I finally had some quality alone time with my pumpkin. I scooped and scooped out those ooey, gooey seeds until I could scoop no more, and I carved to my heart's content. The best part is that I got to take home my pumpkin and show him off to everyone. I was very proud of my creation. Unfortunately, pumpkin and I had to eventually part ways because he was just getting too moldy for me. So I had to kick him to the curb. It was a sad day, but it had to be done. However, I couldn't forget about him just yet because as his final gift to me he left all of his seeds. So as my last pumpkin delight, my roommate made for us four, yes, four different flavors of pumpkin seeds and I don't know if we will ever be able to finish them! So if you have a hankering for some, you will know where to find them! Have a nifty November everyone!

Signing Off,

Joy Jasmine Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

LS Real Estate, Inc.

Mr. Pumpkin says,

"The reason I don't come out until Autumn is because I have to spend the rest of the year getting ready so I can look good for the ladies...There's a reason why everything I'm in is delicious..."

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: October 2011 Edition

2011-10-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Read our October Newsletter Here!

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October 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

It's October and apparently that means it's time for fall, but as of right now I am officially rebelling against the calendar and the revolving of the earth around the sun (or whatever mechanism is in control of changing the seasons) because readers, I am not quite ready for autumn yet. I know what you're thinking, if you were here you'd be telling me, "Joy, summer is long gone, Labor Day was your last chance. They have my favorite pumpkin latte at Starbucks now and all the back to school gear is already picked over. Just accept it. Fall is here." Thanks for the words of wisdom, but unfortunately, I cannot accept them. Yes, I know that Starbucks and Coffee Bean have all their fall inspired drinks and pastries out and all the stores are decorated in fake orange and yellow leaves and the magazines are telling me what outer wear is in for fall, but that doesn't mean that I have to partake in this fall party that everyone seems to be having.

Perhaps I am just acting like a very stubborn four year old child. Fine. I just don't want anything to do with fall quite yet. I'm just not really convinced that it's here. Yeah, Yeah school started. I know. However, it's still warm outside. I don't seeing any leaves changing colors, let alone falling off the trees. Maybe if I lived in Vermont, then yeah, sure, I'd definitely jump on the autumn band wagon. Ten bucks the leaves are changing color and falling off already over there. I'm sure they're going to town with all their rakes. I bet everyone's heading over right now to the rake store to pick up this year's latest model. I bet they're even wearing sweaters while they rake-- nice, thick, knitted sweaters. I bet they have all kinds too, cowl neck sweaters, turtle neck sweaters, crew neck sweaters. I could think of more, but I will spare you, but I bet they have a different necked sweater for every day of the week, or for every mood at least.

None of that is going on here though. The sweaters have not been broken out and I don't have to rake anything up. The palm trees are pretty much great at holding onto their leaves or fronds or whatever they're called. As for the few trees that we have around here that actually do get all fall-ified, that won't happen until November at least. Seems to me that the only things changing color around here so far are the colors of mine and several hundred UCLA students' tongues and teeth. We just had a snow cone giveaway on campus, so I feel like it's pretty hard to talk about the glories of autumn when my whole mouth is now blue. See what I mean? Snow cones scream summer, so I'm sticking to my guns. In my books, summer it is. When I have to start wearing long sleeves and scarves every day, I promise I will accept autumn, but not quite yet. I want to enjoy my short sleeves, flip flops, and sunny days as long as I can.

However, as much as I seem to be expressing hatred towards fall, don't get me wrong. I do enjoy it. So once I start seeing the signs outside, I will certainly embrace the season. I love me a good pumpkin pie, latte, bread or muffin, but I'm just not ready yet. Pretty soon I am sure I will be in pumpkin and cinnamon and nutmeg heaven. Plus, I know that when I next visit Mom and Dad's, my lovely mother will have the house decked out, and I will be walking through an Autumn Wonderland. I'm pretty sure it will look like an entire deciduous forest shed its lovely brown, yellow, and orange leaves all over our house and magically applied themselves to wreathes, tables, counters, and various other decorative surfaces. Moreover, the pumpkin patch will have moved in as well, with the conspicuous orange gourds nestling in every available empty corner. I on the other hand have only one fall decoration-- a string of pumpkin lights, and you guess it, they aren't even up yet. By next month they will be. I promise. Enjoy this month of un-fall everyone!

Signing Off,

Joy Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

Mr. Rake says,

"All those Vermont folks have already been working me to death, and it's only October! I really ought to take my uncle's advice and move to California. He says that rakes have it easy over there."

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: September 2011 Edition

2011-09-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Read our September Newsletter Here!

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September 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

As your iPhones or Androids or whatever you own may have told you, it's September! For most of my life, September has always meant to me the start of the school year, and so that would always carry into my newsletters. However, I've realized that I am no longer in school and no longer have that to talk about. So I guess I have to talk about something else.

Now that I have left my student days behind me, I have noticed that my types of problems have changed to what I guess would be considered adult problems. I used to worry about getting my papers turned in on time and now I worry about getting my bills turned in on time. I don't have to worry about any professors giving me an F but I do have to make sure that I don't get any late fees from Southern California Edison. A big mishap for me used to be my pencil breaking during a final exam. Now I own a bit bigger and bit more expensive equipment that, unfortunately, also breaks.

Coming home from a recent retreat in Palm Springs, my mom and I were just driving along down the 60 without a care in the world, when all of a sudden it seemed like there was, inexplicably, a helicopter flying directly above us. If only I could have looked up through the roof of my car, I was sure that I would have been able to see the blades of the copter right above us, like a scene from some recent action movie. Maybe a rogue CIA agent needed to jump out onto the roof of my car to evade the agents searching for him and get to safety. If that was the case then sure, I would happily lend my vehicle as a landing pad for him, as long as he didn't cause too much damage. You know, I did just have my car washed.

However, I never did see that helicopter above me or hear the rogue CIA agent land forcefully down on my car. I did see, however, the truck behind me move into another lane and then, speedily after that, a billow of thick black smoke rise from my car that did not, I believe, result from a sniper's bullet. Quickly, my theories of a helicopter suddenly vanished as the smoke billowed up and a moment of quick panic set in. However, somehow I was able to get over the four lanes of traffic without blowing up, which I considered quite good. I wasn't really in the mood to blow up that day. Upon exiting the car, we quickly discovered that all of the previous hubbub resulted not from some government conspiracy, but rather, more mundanely, from your average flat tire, the sound of which striking against the asphalt created my helicopter noises.

I guess our vacation couldn't end so peacefully after all. This, I realize, is much worse than a pencil breaking during a final. Fortunately, our peril did not last for too long. We weren't even off the phone with AAA when this white truck pulls behind us. Wow. That was fast, we thought. But it wasn't AAA at all, and hopefully it wasn't a roadside serial killer either. We had already escaped blowing up and now I really didn't want to fend myself off from him and his chainsaw or whatever his weapon of choice was. Again, I found that my imagination had run away with me. The truck contained not a chainsaw wielding murderer, but rather a car jack wielding service man from the Riverside County Motorist Aid Services. So although he wasn't exactly a knight in shining armor, he sure became one to us that day! Thanks to his help we got home safe and sound so I could write this letter to all of you my dear readers. I bet he didn't know that he would change my tire and give me writing material. Needless to say, I hope that my driving adventures are a bit more boring from here on out. I sure don't make enough money to be having car problem stories every weekend.

I hope that all of your Septembers go by much more smoothly than my drive home from Palm Springs. Enjoy the end of your summer and remember that fall starts on September 23--sooner than you think. However even though summer might be ending, I don't think the warm weather will end until November at least. So no need to start unpacking the sweaters just yet. Thank goodness for the California sunshine! Happy September everyone!

Signing Off,

Joy Jasmine Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

Mr. Tire says, "I'm sorry Joy, but I just couldn't help but take advantage of the comedic irony by popping myself on the way home from your relaxing trip. Nothing like a little stress to end the vacation!"

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: August 2011 Edition

2011-08-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Read the Complete August Newsletter Here

Play Our Quiz Question Here

August 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

It's August everyone, which means that it's time for the monthly breakdown from the corner of the Lowly Office Aid! In most of my letters I usually like to at least mention the major holidays that occur in that month, but the problem with August is that there is never a holiday that I could talk about...until now. While laying out this month's articles, I stumbled upon the one about Left Handers' Day, and of course, I immediately went to reading it because, as only a select few of you might know, I am one of those that call themselves left handed. Apparently, according to the newsletter (and facebook) August 13 is dubbed as the official International Left Handers' Day, which is pretty exciting because I never knew that there was a whole day devoted to my kind.

If the statistics are correct, then about 10% of you reading this can join me on the 13th by proudly celebrating our left hands. The rest of you righties can just marvel at our amazing use of that hand that you consider inferior while wishing you could be as special as us select 10%. Personally, I am very happy to be part of this minority. Coming from a family of three other righties I have felt very special and unique all my life. I always love the moment that people discover that I am left handed. This is always how it goes. The previously unaware person suddenly becomes aware when they spy me writing away at something--then, it's always the same reaction..."Wow/Whoa/Cool/, You're left handed!?' It's always said with some degree of surprise like I was trying to hide something from them, as if they discovered I had an extra toe or wore a wig or something (neither of which are true, I definitely have ten toes and real hair, very stuck to my head). The response is also an interesting blend of sentence types. It is one part exclamation, because they are always surprised at the discovery, one part question, because they partly seem confused over whether the whole left handed thing is a joke or not, and also one part statement, because they seem to believe that they are the first one to inform me of me of my status as a left handed person, as if I wasn't yet aware.

Maybe I should answer as if I didn't know I was. I guess it would be a little more interesting that way. I usually just give the standard truthful response like "Yup, I am" which is the honest, if not the boring option. Or maybe I could say in return, "Wow! You're right handed!" Then maybe they will get how I feel, not that it bothers me for them to comment on it. I just think it's funny. I wonder if you my fellow left handed readers have encountered similar reactions to our sinister (this word comes from the Latin for left, I don't why our side always gets associated with evil, I swear we are nice folks!) little quirk/difference or whatever you like to call it. I guess the only major downsides about being a lefty are that my hand always gets covered with ink when I write, especially on those glossy greeting cards which I have smeared more than I would like to admit. Also, school desks can be rather uncomfortable for us because we have to stretch over to write, but luckily in college they usually had at least a couple of desks for us, which was very courteous of them. But anyways, I am a proud lefthander and I guess I will celebrate it on the 13th, and so for all the righties, I guess just be extra nice to us that day.

However, before I bore the rest of you with all this left handed talk, let's talk summer! It is definitely in full swing and I am loving the So Cal weather. After getting back from Haiti, I appreciate it even more because there not only is it hot but it is humid which makes everyone a sweaty, sticky mess which I can tell you is not very attractive. However, despite being a sweaty, sticky mess in Haiti, I was also a happy sweaty person, and I can tell you all for the third year in a row that it was an amazing trip. It was great seeing all of our friends there and I believe that we were able to do a lot of good. So thank you for your patience and kindness in my absence, but I am officially L.A. bound now. I'm not going anywhere! So enjoy the weather, the beach, and some watermelon and I will see you in September!

Signing Off,

Joy Jasmine Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

Mr. Sun says, "Enjoy the nice August weather I am giving you guys right now because trust me it isn't going to last forever. Also I would like to note if I did have hands, I would totally be left handed, just thought I should let you know."

4 of July

2011-07-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

Happy 4 of July

John R. Ellis

LS Real Estate, Inc.

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: July 2011 Edition

2011-07-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

Read the Complete July Newsletter Here

Playour quiz question here

July 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, another year has come and gone, my friends…it is I, Mother of our beloved Lowly Office Aid, making an encore appearance via this newsletter. As you may have guessed, Joy is far from home on her 3^rdmission’s trip to Haiti with the Chi Alpha Fellowship team. I recall how worried we were (I was!) when she left for her first trip; however, this year I am much more relaxed—I know that she has many good friends with her on the trip, and they all look out for each other. It also helps to see a few pix of the team’s activities posted on Facebook, and of course, Joy’s brief contact with John to wish him well on Father’s Day while she is away. I guess I’m getting better at this Empty Nest thing…

Empty Nesters—that’s what John and I are now. Strange term…referred to as a “syndrome” apparently named after a bird’s nesting habits. More specifically, the literature states (that’s my librarian-self speaking) that “Empty Nest Syndrome is a general feeling of loneliness that parents or guardians may feel when one or more of their children leave home; it is more common in women…” I would say that the part about women is probably true as we tend to be the primary caregivers and nurturers. Yes, I have found myself wanting to check on the kids or communicating that I miss them much more often than John does (or at least will say he does!). I do catch him asking “have you heard from the kids?” or telling me plans he’s made with Joy or Jonathan regarding this or that. All I can know for sure is that we both are enjoying the much quieter and much neater house with the kids out on their own, and we are much more able to focus on our own plans and goals for the future (so the literature says as well!).

The term that I feel is better suited to our current status in life is: The Sandwich Generation, which is “a generation of people who care for their aging parents while supporting their own children.” Although we don’t care for our aging mothers full time, nor do we fully support our dear children anymore, we definitely could fit this description! Whether we are driving Grandma Carrie to her doctor’s and hair appointments while she was without her driver’s license for awhile, or planning a visit with Yiayia and helping to care for her rental home, John and I are active participants in the care of both of our mothers. Although Joy and Jonathan are working full-time and living on their own, it’s amazing how much help we still give the kids; whether it’s a new computer for the Lowly Office Aid, or help for Jonathan while he gets his new studio apartment up and running…Mom and Dad are right there, ready with support to help our little “birds” as they make their own way out in the big world. J

I’d say that’s it for now…I’m off to prepare our own nest for an Ellis Family 4^th of July celebration coming up soon. Happy Independence Day, All—and our Best Wishes for a wonderful, fun Summer 2011!

Happy Summer,

Julie A. Ellis (Mother of the Lowly Office Aid)

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The New Law and the Impact for Apartments

2011-06-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

CALLOUT: While the mandated date for apartments is January 1, 2013, apartment owners and property managers need to start addressing the issue of Carbon Monoxide Detectors NOW!!
By Carl Morello, PE, ARM, ALCM
Sequoia AVP Underwriting & Loss Control
© 2007 Sequoia Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors – This new law went into effect January 1, 2011 and requires an owner of a housing unit to install a carbon monoxide device in each existing dwelling unit that has a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage:
For all existing single-family dwelling units intended for human occupancy on or before July 1, 2011.
For all other existing dwelling units intended for human occupancy on or before January 1, 2013.
Where does Carbon Monoxide come from?
Carbon monoxide is produced by devices that burn fuels. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential CO source. Electrical heaters and electric water heaters, toasters, etc., do not produce CO under any circumstances. Under normal circumstances, CO should not be detectable in the typical home or workplace.
When appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little CO. But improperly operating or improperly vented appliances can produce elevated -- even fatal -- CO concentrations in your home. Likewise, using kerosene heaters or charcoal grills indoors, or running a car in a garage, can cause levels high enough to result in CO poisoning.
Common sources of CO include the following wood or gas fueled appliances:

Room heaters
Furnaces
Charcoal grills
Cooking ranges
Water heaters
Automobiles run in closed garages
Fireplaces
Portable generators
Wood burning stoves

Issues and Guidance for Apartments
A 17-year-old girl died, and her 15-year-old sister was critically injured, when carbon monoxide from a malfunctioning wall-mounted gas heater overwhelmed them in their Berkeley, California apartment. More than a hundred other people in the apartment complex had to be evacuated to shelters. When the landlord had purchased the building a year prior to the November 1999 incident, he had failed to obtain inspections for the building’s utilities. Officials measured the concentration of carbon monoxide in the girls’ apartment and in nearby units at 2,000 parts per million, far more than the 35 parts per million considered to be safe.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about 500 Americans die each year from accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and another 20,000 are sickened. About 40,000 emergency room visits are generated by people with possible CO poisoning.
In California, CO poisoning causes between 30 and 40 deaths each year, leads to about 700 emergency room visits, and causes hundreds or thousands of avoidable illnesses and injuries. According to the California Air Resources Board, more than half of all CO deaths in California are linked to malfunctioning or improperly-vented combustion appliances such as space heaters, furnaces, and water heaters.
Apartment owners and property managers have an important role to play in ensuring that carbon monoxide – the “silent killer” – does not create a health hazard for tenants.
To minimize carbon monoxide risks and associated liabilities, apartment owners and managers should take several simple – but essential – steps.
First, recognize the dangers of carbon monoxide, and understand how it might be produced in your properties.
Second, ensure proper installation, maintenance, and use of appliances that can produce carbon monoxide.
Third, take steps to protect your tenants by installing and maintaining CO detectors, and by offering information with which tenants can protect themselves.
Recognize the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, highly toxic gas which is produced by the incomplete combustion of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels (natural gas, propane, gasoline, oil, kerosene, wood, etc.).
Fuel-burning appliances found in and around residential properties are common sources of carbon monoxide. (Electrical appliances cannot produce CO.) Indoors, problems can arise through improper installation, care, or use of space heaters, furnaces, water heaters, gas-fueled kitchen appliances, clothes dryers, wood-burning stoves, and fireplaces.
Outdoors, careless use of charcoal or gas grills, gasoline-powered engines (cars or trucks, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, generators, snow blowers, etc.) can cause exhaust to enter residential areas and poison the people inside. And of course, using outdoor appliances (such as gas grills) indoors, or leaving a car running in a garage, can have fatal results.

Carbon monoxide is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, where it replaces essential oxygen. Exposure to high levels of CO can cause brain damage or death within minutes by depriving the brain and other organs of oxygen. Any person or animal can be affected by carbon monoxide; infants and children, unborn children, and people with anemia or heart disease are especially vulnerable.
Exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide causes flu-like symptoms, including dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and irregular breathing (but without the fever typical of flu). It is thought that mild CO poisoning is under-reported because victims may think that they are suffering a cold or the flu, or health professionals may misdiagnose the symptoms. Exposure to higher levels may cause a loss of consciousness (“falling asleep”) and death before any of the milder symptoms are experienced or reported.

At an apartment complex in Chevy Chase, Maryland, eight people became ill when construction workers using gasoline-powered tools elsewhere in the building did not take precautions to vent carbon monoxide from the building. A carbon monoxide alarm sounded during the March 2005 incident, alerting the residents to the danger and providing time for them to escape before they were overcome.

Because CO is odorless and colorless, and is not detectable in typical home and work conditions, it offers no warning of its presence, thus earning it the nickname of “silent killer.” And because CO deaths are so often associated with the use of furnaces and heaters during the winter months (when windows are kept closed), it is even more aptly called the “silent, cold-weather killer.”

Minimize CO Risk with Proper Installation and Maintenance

When fuel-fired appliances are installed properly, inspected regularly, maintained scrupulously, and used properly, the carbon monoxide risk is very low. The risk becomes much higher in properties where equipment is malfunctioning, where inspections and regular maintenance are not performed, or where the exhaust is not safely vented outdoors. Under these circumstances, CO can quickly accumulate to dangerous levels, when it can overpower and kill people in the area.

Install Equipment Properly. Proper installation is the critical first step. Select the appropriate appliance for your need, follow manufacturers’ installation instructions carefully, and hire a professional to do the installation. Pay close attention to fresh air intake (to ensure sufficient oxygen for complete combustion) and exhaust venting (to ensure that all toxic gases are removed). Be sure to comply with all applicable building codes. If in doubt on any aspect of installation, check with the appropriate local building or health official.

Inspect and Maintain for Safe Operation. Regular inspection and timely maintenance should be part of your building service plan. Engage a qualified service technician to provide annual inspections for all heating systems and gas-fired appliances (e.g., clothes dryers).

For heating systems, ensure that inspection is completed before the system is turned on for cold weather heating.

Inspectors should look closely at electrical and mechanical components, including thermostat controls and automatic safety devices. They should also carry out close examination of chimneys and vents, to ensure tight connections, to check the condition of seals and other components, and to ensure that chimneys and vents are not blocked.

Inspectors should look for these signs of potential malfunctions:

Corrosion or stains

Loose or missing parts, masonry, or connections through which carbon monoxide can leak

Deposits of soot or smoke outside the vent or chimney that appear anywhere in the building, not just in the utility room

Debris or soot falling from the chimney, vent, fireplace, or appliance

Inadequate heat production or decrease in the hot water supply

Constantly running furnace or water heater

Burning smell or unusual odors

Increased condensation inside the building

The exhaust ducts for these gas water heaters are not properly connected. The exhaust – which includes deadly carbon monoxide – vents directly into the room. This hazard will endanger tenants and their guests as well as employees. (Photos courtesy Sequoia Insurance Company)

Help Tenants Reduce Their CO Risk

Take steps to protect your tenants by installing and maintaining CO detectors in all units, and by offering them easy-to-understand information on how they can minimize their risk.

Provide Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Even in a property where equipment is carefully maintained, it’s possible that an appliance could malfunction and release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. For this reason, it is prudent to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the property.

Some detectors will sound an alarm when small amounts of CO are present; others will go off only when CO reaches life-threatening levels. Consult a professional to determine the best type of alarm for your property. Be sure to choose only alarms that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Because CO spreads quickly and evenly throughout the building, install CO detectors in sleeping areas and also in hallways and stairwells to alert all occupants as quickly as possible. Choose detectors with audible alarms; however, in units where hearing-impaired residents are present, install detectors that attach to beds and alert residents with strong vibrations to shake them awake.

Follow manufacturers’ instructions for installation. In general, wall or ceiling installations are preferred. Keep detectors at least five feet away from chemicals, household cleaners, etc., as these can damage the detector or cause false alarms. Do not install CO detectors on top of, or directly across from, fuel-burning appliances. It is normal for these appliances to emit a small amount of CO when they first turn on, which will trigger a false alarm.

If the detectors are “hard wired” (connected directly to the building’s electrical system), test them monthly and replace the batteries according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. If the detectors are battery-powered, test them according to manufacturers’ recommendations and replace their batteries annually.

Some municipalities require that apartment owners install carbon monoxide detectors in residential units. Check with local authorities to determine what is required for your properties.

Help Tenants Use CO Detectors. Be sure that tenants know about the CO detectors and understand how they should respond to any alarm that might sound. Advise tenants to take the following actions if the CO alarm sounds:

Take the alarm seriously. Do not attempt to silence it or disconnect it. The CO alarm is designed to sound when dangerous CO is present.

Turn off all fuel-fired appliances.

Open doors and windows immediately to introduce fresh air.

If any one is experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning, call 911 and evacuate the building. (If affected people begin to feel better in the fresh air, then CO poisoning is likely. Seek medical help.)

If no one is experiencing any symptoms, increase ventilation and contact management so that a qualified technician may be summoned to identify the source of the problem and repair it as needed.

Remember that the additional ventilation from open doors and windows may reduce the CO levels in the area temporarily. However, until a technician has identified and corrected the problem, do not operate any fuel-burning appliances until everything has been declared safe.

Rarely, residents will experience “nuisance alarms,” frequent soundings from the detector. Advise tenants to contact you if this happens so that a technician can inspect for pervasive low levels of CO.

Help Tenants Reduce their Risk – and Yours. Many carbon monoxide poisonings occur when consumers misuse fuel-fired appliances. You can help your tenants reduce their risk by providing these easy-to-understand guidelines:

Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, or confusion).

If you suspect CO poisoning in yourself or someone else, or if the CO alarm sounds, turn off all appliances, leave the building immediately, and call 911. Notify the apartment manager immediately. Alert other residents on your way out if you can.

Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for safe use of any appliance or fixture that has a flame, such as gas ovens or burners; fireplaces and wood stoves; gas-fired dryers or refrigerators.

Never use appliances intended for outdoor use (such as generators, charcoal or gas grills, etc.) indoors or in an unventilated garage.

Never use gas stoves or gas ovens for space or comfort heating.

Never run a vehicle, generator, or grill in the garage, even if the door is open. The exhaust can quickly enter the building and spread to many units.

Before using a fireplace or wood stove, open the damper and keep it open until the fire is out and the ashes are cool. The open damper allows the poisonous carbon monoxide to leave the building.

In her Provo, Utah, apartment in September 2003, a young woman turned on the heat for the first time that season. Within a half hour, she and her housemates experienced headaches; suspecting carbon monoxide, they turned off the furnace. They reported the problem to the landlord and requested repair of the furnace; an apartment employee acknowledged the request but did not act on it. Three weeks later, the tenants turned on the furnace, expecting that it had been repaired. The young woman was overcome by carbon monoxide and suffered brain damage. An inspection showed that the apartment furnace was faulty. In 2006, the young woman, who had suffered brain damage, filed a $350,000 lawsuit against the apartment complex, seeking a minimum of $250,000 in general damages, a minimum of $100,000 in special damages and unspecified punitive damages at a jury trial.

Consider prohibiting tenants’ indoor use of unvented gas or kerosene space heaters. Be careful, too, about the new “flameless” catalytic heaters. Although these heaters don’t have a flame, they burn propane gas, which generates carbon monoxide. Check with your local authorities to determine if any of these heaters are permitted in your municipality.

When apartment owners and managers reduce the threat of carbon monoxide (the “silent killer”) they also reduce their own liability for injuries and illnesses related to the presence of CO in their properties. A simple three-point approach – recognizing the CO hazard, maintaining equipment to minimize CO production, and protecting and informing tenants – will reduce risk and provide a safer environment for all.

© 2007 Sequoia Insurance Company. SRA-002 This document is provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific technical advice on the issues discussed within. For more information about managing your business risks, call Sequoia Loss Control at 831.657.4507.

The risk management material presented in this article is provided by the insurance underwriters and servicing agencies of the CAA Value Insurance Program and is reprinted with their permission. The CAA is not responsible for the information in the material and assumes no liability in connection with it. In addition, the information is of a general nature and is provided for informational purposes only. It may not be applicable to, or suitable for, any particular circumstances or needs and should not be a substitute for professional consultation. You should direct your particular issue(s) or inquiries to your professional insurance and/or legal counsel who will be able to provide appropriate guidance under applicable California law(s).

CAA Value Insurance Plan • 866.913.6293 • Assurance Risk Managers
980 Ninth Street, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95814-2741 CA License #0C73841

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: June 2011 Edition

2011-06-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

Read the Complete July Newsletter Here

June 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s June! Well, at least it will be by the time you get this. Right now, it’s a gorgeous May evening and I have the front door and window open to enjoy the cool breeze and I am that sure June has many beautiful days like this in store for us here in So Cal. I have to enjoy these cool nights while I can because pretty soon I will be off to Haiti where the days are super hot and the nights are slightly less hot. I’m definitely spoiled to be from Southern California. My roommate hails from the Kansas side of Kansas City, and she reported to me the other day that a tornado had touched down blocks from her home and church. Luckily, her family and house are completely safe and it only did minimal damage where it hit. She was telling me that even though the tornadoes and the sirens that precede them are totally eerie, she is used to them and that the thought of an earthquake is totally scary to her. Obviously, I feel completely the opposite! I will take my So Cal earthquakes any day over a Kansas tornado. Those things freak me out. They weren’t messing around in The Wizard of Oz, those tornadoes are legit and not to be disrespected! I’m just glad that real tornadoes aren’t actually accompanied by the Wicked Witch and those awful Flying Monkeys. They freak me out even more than tornadoes and I already told you how I feel about those.

On another topic completely, I just wanted to take the time out to honor my computer that I have been typing these letters on for the last four and half years---yes, I did write four and a half years---can you believe that I have been sending you these things for so long? I’m surprised that I haven’t received any hate mail yet! You all are far too kind. But anyways, this will be the last letter that will be written on my dear old Compaq Presario. It wasn’t a glamorous or a pretty or a slim or a light computer. It didn’t have flashy decals or a shiny apple on it, but it was a loyal computer and traveled with me for many years and wrote many letters, emails, and papers for me. It kept my files organized and my pictures archived. You could never call it lazy. It kept my lap warm and my desk looking good. It’s been good to me, but now I have to admit, unfortunately, that my dear computer is on its death bed. I have typed it to death. The poor thing is so weak and frail—it’s akin to both a badly arthritic grandmother and a brand new baby that can’t yet support its own head. I walk around cradling it like an infant and whenever I open or close it, every bone in its little technology filled body cracks painfully in my ears. So, therefore, it is time to put it out of its misery. I will always think fondly of the Presario, who was my first computer and treated me well so many years, but now we must part ways and I just had to give it a proper goodbye. I hope it rests in peace. Now, I can’t promise that since I am getting a much better, new computer that the forthcoming newsletters will be better as well, but at least, hopefully, they won’t be worse! However, just to forewarn you all, it probably won’t be until August that you get another letter from yours truly. For you see, next month I will depart from Los Angeles to journey to Haiti for the third time. So while I am spending my last days in June on that hot, humid island that I love I will leave my duties in the very capable hands of the mother of the Lowly Office Aid. She doesn’t exactly know that she is doing this yet, but I will let her know soon.

While on the topic of Haiti, I am reminded, of course, that I need to at least mention Father’s Day. I already know what you are thinking, what do Haiti and Father’s Day have in common? Well, I’ll tell you…not much really. Their only connection is that, unfortunately, I will be there on Father’s Day and therefore very far from my father, so I will take some time now to acknowledge the wonderful “Papa Ellis” as one friend refers to him. He may be just your realtor, property manager, or friend, but I get the special privilege of being his daughter. I am proud to call him my dad and am very glad that he didn’t banish this Lowly Office Aid many years ago for filing his papers in the wrong direction (I honestly didn’t know there was a right direction at the time) and for probably many other lowly infractions. All the while working hard in his job for all his clients and residents, he’s always working hard as a dad too. So with this letter about to be done, I just want to thank my dad for always being there for me, always on my side. On that note, I send a shout out to all the dads this month. All of you are awesome! Make sure to give all of your papas some love this month!

Signing Off,

Joy Jasmine Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

Mr. Computer says,

“My deepest sympathies go out to you on the loss of your dear laptop Mr. Presario. I’m sure he was a very dear and very hardworking guy. May your next one be just as good as he was.”