I hope you all are well and happy.
Today, my son, Kam who initiated my blog, reminded me that I had not shared with you of what's happening to me since May 2009.
As you know, time passes like a blank of an eye. But this was not the only excuse! I was debating whether or not I should sell my beautiful
house in San Diego and buy a mortgage free house somewhere else. I had several options: a. to have a roommate b. to sell and buy a smaller 2-bedroom in a less expensive area further away from Del Mar c. buy something in another city or state.
I went to Stockton to visit my friend/colleague and found out it was a nice farming town with several Baha'I friends whom I knew. I also made a trip in May-June to Marana, AZ where my sister Farrah and her husband were residing and were asking me to join them since 2005.
In late 2007, when I still was suffering from my illness, I attended a board meeting at our clubhouse which I attended. I raised my concern about high Home Owner Association fee and mentioned if the cost keeps rising up, retired people like me have to sell their house and move out.
Next day, a lady called me and said she used to live in plan 4 (like my house, meaning 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms) for a long time. She then came and visited me and I found out she was a cancer survivor and her team of doctors were the same like mine. She also mentioned she was an ESL teacher. She wanted to buy the house and was willing to pay me 205 down and write a contract with me. I told her I was not ready to sell my home.
Anyway, she kept calling me once in a while. I kept praying, asking for guidance. In one of my dreams, I entered a house in a desert area, furnished with Native American rugs, picture with rd and orange color walls. You wont' believe, when I went to Marana, AZ in May, I was going with a lady friend who was a real estate agent (Parisa). While I was sharing my dream with her, she opened the door to a house and I found exactly the same house in my dream! My sister calls me spooky, and some others believe I am "spiritual". I will leave this to your decision
When I went back to San Diego, I still was not very sure if I wanted to sell my house. In September I visited Marana and this time I decided to sell my house in San Diego and move to Marana. The selling market was touch, but I had a client. So, I called her and she had already given an offer for another house. Next day, she called and gave me an offer which I accepted. I went back to Marana, saw 5 houses and got the one I liked more.
The move was very difficult due to shortage of time and too many stuff. Thanks to Farrah who came and rescued me. Days and nights, we were packing. Farrah wanted us to rent a U-Hall and move. I had already given away three beds with mattresses. However, when we saw the number of boxes, we decided to ask for a mover which we did.
The buyer didn't want to have any flowers in the patio due to her Ausma. I had 6 beautiful roses and many other tropical ones which I gave them to my close friends.
The escrow on my house was closed on November 2nd and the escrow on my new house in Marana was planned to close on Nov. 5th. My son's dad who is a broker, George, my brother-in-law and his dad George sr. assisted me with all the paper work.
Problem: Although the buyer had agreed to give us 10 days to stay at the house after closing, her attorney didn't agree due to liability. I was willing to rent the house from her, yet, I couldn't get her agreement. So, we had to act fast. I felt homeless and was getting agitated. Thanks to Kam who opened his house to three of us, Farrah, Kona and me. We stayed till November 4th and hit the road early in the morning. Kam's dad got a van to take some of my favorite plants.
Arriving in Marana: We arrived at Farrah and George's house, early afternoon on November 4th. George had made stakes and fish for our dinner. We all stayed there till the house was closed on the 5th.
Improvements at the new house:
A colleague of mine who had served with me at Bosch for 5 years and was the maintenance coordinator had told me that he would help me with moving and any work my new house needed. So, I called him and he came and fixed the house.
My new house: It is a 3-bedroom house, located next to Dove Mountains, in a gated area, with a club house, gym, restaurant and many free classes to attend. From every window, I can see the beautiful green mountain. They informed me of having wild animals like coyotes, javelins (small pigs), snakes and scorpions.
Oops! I didn't know all these! So, one more time, Steve came to help me with putting fences around the patio and the courtyard.
I purchased lemon and grapefruit trees, and many other plants suitable for this area. I sent Holiday wishes to 10 neighbors and starting to communicate with them. I am invited to an open house on Dec. 29th.
I am looking forward to see my son next week. I am very thankful to him who sacrificed to let me have his faithful dog, Kona to come to Marana with me. I truly enjoy her company.
If you are retired and can not afford to live in big cities, please do come to Marana. It is a small town, very affordable and growing. Please send me an e-mail if you need more information.
Merry Christmas to my dear Christian friends and wishing you a Happy New Year.
With much love,
bahia
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bahia farahi
