Hair Samples used to Trace Movement!

Ok, now THIS is amazing. Half-awake, listening to NPR this morning, I heard a bit about researchers being able to analyze a person's HAIR to trace the history of where they've been. Utah scientists have been researching isotopes in rainwater, mapping geographic differences, which show up in drinking water and food and, ultimately, in the consumer's hair structure! The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department applied this technique to track the movements of a "Jane Doe" (whose bones were found in their area) prior to her untimely death. Sounds crazy, but apparently it's proving to be fairly accurate. You learn something new every day! (Or at least you should). Click here for the full story.

"Charm & Character"

This 1940s "charmer" is located on one of my absolute favorite streets in Chico, E. Sacramento Ave. (I "scored" big time with my very first listing on this street 20 years ago!) Listed at $449,000, this sweet thing features original tile, hardwood floors, built-in bookshelves, tons of storage, large living and family rooms, and separate darkroom or office. A large guest house with separate bedroom and spacious living room looks out to a lovely patio with Koi pond. This wide, tree-lined street is in the heart of Chico, close to downtown, Bidwell Park and CSUC. For more info and photos, please visit my web site: ChicoLaura.com To view this lovely property, feel free to email me: Laura@ChicoLaura.com

The Bike King

Today in Chico the First Annual "Tour de Ed" fundraiser was held to help raise money for the Chico Cyclist Care Fund (recently created to help cyclists who sustain injuries while bicycling). This fundraising bike ride is named for Ed McLaughlin (pictured), local bicyling legend, who suffered a severe spinal injury on Dec. 21, 2007, while riding through our beautiful Bidwell Park. A man who "walks his talk," Ed hasn't owned an automobile since 1982 (the year my younger son was born and, interestingly, the year the Greenline was established in Chico, protecting farm land on Chico's west side by separating urban and agricultural areas.), and has been a tireless advocate of bicycling (founder of Chico Velo Cycling Club) throughout his years in Chico. Largely through Ed's efforts, The League of American Bicyclists recognized Chico in 2004 with its prestigious Bicycle Friendly Community designation. And in 1997, Chico was listed in Bicycling Magazine as the nation's #1 bicycling community.

I met Ed about 20 years ago (one of those "Chico" things--can't remember where or exactly when) and, even though our paths have only occasionally crossed over the years, those moments have always been graced with that big, sparkling "Ed" grin and cheerful hello. I firmly believe that Ed McLaughlin is one of those unsung heroes who breeze through life touching so many lives, working selflessly to leave the planet a better place. No wonder everyone loves the guy. Here's to your health and ultimate recovery, Ed. As the Chico Velo motto declares:

Eat, Breathe, Drink, Pedal

and hopefully you'll be back pedaling again in the not-too-distant future.

(Donations can be made payable to: "Chico Cyclist Care Fund," c/o Pullins Cyclery, 801 Main St.,Chico, CA 95928)

POSTAGE IS GOING UP AGAIN! On May 12, 2008, postage is going up one cent on first class stamps. However, if you purchase stamps now at 41 cents with the"forever liberty bell" logo, you can send your mail after May12 with them being honored for the 41 cents you already paid. It's time to stock up on stamps. A two-ounce letter will be 59 cents and postcards will be 27 cents. Check with the post office or go to http://www.usps.com/ for more information. Those pennies add up as we all know! Skip the pretty picture stamps, get the forever stamps, and save!

ChicoBag

What's strong enough to hold 20 pounds, small enough to fit in your purse (or on your belt) and can help save the planet? It's the affordable, handy, chic ChicoBag!

I keep a ChicoBag in my purse and another one in my car for those quick stops at the grocery store.

Developed by one of our own local Chico citizens Andy Keller, ChicoBag has been featured in Real Simple, Entrepreneur, PARADE, Natural Health, Money, and Vision magazines.

Talk about "green"--ChicoBag even has a recycling program for expired ChicoBags! Expired ChicoBags are "repurposed" into door mats, dog beds and prayer flags. (And no, I don't own stock in the ChicoBag--I'm just a fan!)

Don't let Plastic Bag Monster get you!

Getting Things Done

Having read this book, Getting Things Done (The Art of Stress-Free Productivity), late last year, I wasn't surprised to hear in a review today on NPR that "Tech Junkies" have embraced some of the concepts and applied them to the Wonderful World of Computers. "GTD," as the book (and method) is apparently known by its devoted practitioners, has inspired blogs, web sites and even software.

In my personal and business life, the book truly did help to get me more organized (something I'm always striving to do). I revamped my entire filing system, instituted new "in" and "out" boxes (actually lovely baskets) for my assistant and myself, and started keeping "To Do" lists in the "Tasks" section of my computer. These are separated in the following areas: "Computer," "Phone," "Office," "Home," and "Errands." Each week I update each list in the computer and then print out updated lists, which I carry around in a clipboard folder (which I find easier to add to and check off as I go about my week).

Some of the web sites which have evolved from "GTD" are davidco.com (the author David Allen's official site), 43 Folders, LifeHacker, Getting Things Done (My Experience with Using GTD), and Office Zealot. Here's to a more organized, simplified and lower-stress life!

Comedy Night!

Son Kiel seems to be pursuing his stand-up comedy career with the same passion he has shown for (among other things) golf, acting, and crossword puzzles (not necessarily in that order). He's networking, making new friends, and has even been learning the ropes producing shows. I enjoyed my first time watching him perform his stand-up at U.C. Davis last month. He writes his own material, and for the most part it's pretty clean and (in my opinion--but then again I AM the mom!) very funny. Next show: Feb 22 at the True Love Coffee House. Keep 'em cacklin', Kiel!

North State Symphony

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the North State Symphony "Dance Mix" concert at the CSUC Laxson Auditorium. This concert was beautifully performed by accomplished musicians from throughout Northern California and masterfully conducted by Music Director Kyle Wiley Pickett. The program included a concert tango called Tangazo by Astor Piazzolla, an extended suite from Swan Lake by Peter Tchaikovsky, Slavonic Dances by Czech composer Antonin Dvorak and Hungarian Sketches by Bela Bartok. I had the privilege of hosting one of the musicians (viola) for the weekend in my Chico home. How wonderful to have such powerful, professional performances offered right here in our little Northern California community!

Soroptimist International of Chico

It's been my pleasure and honor the past 10 years to be a member of Soroptimist International of Chico , a local chapter of this phenomenal worldwide service group. The mission statement of Soroptimist International reads: “Soroptimist is a world wide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.”Our local club celebrated it's 75th anniversary several years ago by pledging $75,000 for the establishment of a Salvation Army rehab center .Our largest fundraiser, the Home, Garden & Antique Show , is scheduled for March 15 & 16, 2008, at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds here in Chico. Hope to see you there!

Mosaic Tile Birdbath

How about THIS for recycling? A birdbath I purchased several years ago was becoming corroded and unsightly. Rather than "toss" it, I decided to give it a new life. Using cracked & broken dishes, shards of a broken car mirror, glue and grout, the rusty old eyesore was transformed into garden art! Since then, friends and family members have learned never to trash their cracked or broken dishes. ; )

It's Good to be GREEN!

A recent issue of Country Home Magazine listed our little town of Chico in the top 20 "Greenest" cities in the U.S. Way to go, Chico!!!

TODAY'S TIP

Web site tip-of-the-day: Do these great interest rates have you thinking about doing a refi? Want to figure out your savings over your current mortgage? Check out the BankRate.com web site for easy-to-use calculators, articles on investing, tax tips, trends & predictions, and much, much more!

My Funny Valentine

In chatting with son Kiel the other day (who now lives in Sacramento where he works at The Pyramid Restaurant and at his stand-up comedy career in various comedy clubs), the topic of Valentine's Day came up. Far be it from me to "micromanage" my sons' lives! However, the "mom" in me just wanted to check to be sure he remembers his adorable girlfriend, Melissa, on Valentine's Day. But who says this particular holiday has to be for "sweethearts only"? I like to surprise my family and friends with cards, e-cards and/or treats (Shubert's -- Chico's oldest ice cream & candy store -- is a family favorite!). For more "heart day" ideas, check out http://www.virtualchocolate.com/ . Wishing you love & friendship this Valentine's Day!

Brazilian Guitar Concert!

One of the great things about living in a college town: wonderful entertainment available throughout the year. Last night I attended the 11th Annual International Guitar Festival at CSUC Laxson Auditorium, featuring the amazing Brazilian Assad Brothers (Odair and Sergio), their equally-amazing sister, Badi Assad, and two additional brilliant Brazilian guitarist/percussionists. Having obtained tickets for various concerts early in the year (thanks to my wonderful sis-in-law Jamie, who stood in line for several hours!), I enjoyed the show from a great second-row seat. Click on the link below for more info about this mesmerizing group of incredible musicians:

http://www.csuchico.edu/upe/performance/artists/AssadBrothers.html

Stateside

Back to reality and my lovely little ChicoTown. Our real estate market is beginning to hum back to life following the holidays and some pretty extreme storms. Currently we have 436 residential properties listed in our MLS, ranging from a 1 bdr 1 bath condo at $104,000 to a 4 bdr 3.5 bath home on 98 acres listed at $2,500,000. Our median price (of our active listings) is $347,950. Browse all current MLS listings at my web site, http://www.chicolaura.com/ . With interest rates hovering in the high 5% range and some great inventory, it's a wonderful time to be a buyer!

Gabe's Graduation!

One of the happiest and proudest days of my life, the day my son, Gabriel Kennedy, graduated with a Bachelor's of Applied Sciences from Ex'pression College for Digital Arts! (January 2008) Click these links for short video clips of the big event:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCZccL--IEg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is_Ch4Z-z9I

Maui Sunset

Sunset from whale-watching boat in Maui! This was my first attempt at transmitting a photo from my Treo; very exciting!

Flip Video test

Just got my new Flip Video and it works wonderfully well! Eva surprised me by shooting a quick sample video (may need to click twice on the "arrow" button):

It seems quite user friendly!

Aloha!

Just returned from the annual CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) conference in Waikiki, Oahu. As usual, the conference featured great speakers (especially the always-entertaining-and-high-energy Howard Brinton, http://www.gostarpower.com/) and two days packed with timely topics presented by panels of top producers from all over the country.

In addition to learning about the latest technology (gotta get one of them new-fangled "Flip Video" cameras!) and changes in the industry, the conference afforded us the valuable opportunity of connecting and networking with CRS agents from all over the country and even an enthusiastic group from Spain.

With freezing temps back home in Chico, CA, it sure didn't hurt to have the conference in a tropical paradise!