No Buying .. For Now

I put in an offer for the place I wrote about here, and after a few back-and-forths, we came to a price agreement.

I put in a number of "subjects to to be removed".  The deadline to remove these conditions was last night.  To everyone's suprise, I didn't remove the subjects.

I just had no peace about purchasing the apartment.  I think I'm happier where I'm now than I'd be if I bought that apartment and moved into it.  The biggest drawback, as I see it, is that the south west corner of the house is so blocked by trees that the sun never gets access to it.  With all the rain we get, I'd likely lock myself into my apartment rather than going out into my backyard.

It was a difficult decision, yet, I think the right one.

Olimpia Gana El Superclásico!

After two very disappointing weeks, losing first to Lanús (Arg) and then to Emelec (Ecu) in the Copa Libertadores de América, Olimpia today reacted the best possible way by beating its arch-rival Cerro Porteño in the clásico paraguayo.

Que golazo de Sebastián Ariosa! Here's the only goal in the 1-0 win:

 Para mi querido cuñado Heinz: GH1S (Grande Hay 1 Solo).

To Buy Or Not To Buy

About 3 weeks ago I was giving my parents an update on the things that are going on in my life, and as often is the case, we ended up about housing.  The question they often ask me is why I continue to rent an apartment, rather than looking for possibilities to invest in a townhouse or apartment.  My answer then was the same as it's been for awhile: I like living centrally in the city, and buying a place would be quite difficult under the current financial situations (unless I'm willing to move further out).

Since that conversation, I have spent lots and lots of hours in front of the laptop, looking at the real estate website to see what sort of properties are available.  My criteria for a place to live are as follows:

* 2 bed, 2 bath

* > 750 square feet

* ground floor

* bright, lots of light coming in

* southwest exposure ideal; southeast exposure possible; north exposure not at all desirable

* must have access to either a patio and/or yard/garden area

* situated <10 minutes' walk from skytrain or bus

* budget: around $330K, +/- 10%

* overal: looking for modesty and simplicity, not luxury

Based on these crieria, and the helpful suggestions of my dad, brother, my friends Jennifer and Marty, not to mention the very helpful guidance of my real estate Elmar, I have come up with a property that has great potential for suitability.  I may put in an offer within the next day or two.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me!

I have posted a two pictures that I took of the townhouse complex.

Hiking!

In the past 2 weeks I've hiked the BCMC trail 3 times, a definite improvement in frequency compared to the previous 4 or 5 months!

On Saturday I hiked it in 1 hour and 8 minutes, which I thought was a good time (my best time in a long time).

Today I hiked it in 1 hour and 6 minutes!  I think that's close to my best ever.

The weather's warming up, the snow's melting, and the days are getting longer, so it's easier to get out and hike.  Plus, my next class at the hospital doesn't start until mid-May, so there are really no excuses for me not to get out there and get fit.

Angelus Autem Domini

The Angel of the Lord came down from heaven,

and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it;

and said to the women: "Do not be afraid;

you seek him who was crucified: he is risen,

come and see the place where the Lord's body was."

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

-----

Words by Felice Anerio

Alleluia!

O sons and daughters, let us sing!
The King of heaven, the glorious King,
Over death today rose triumphing.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

An angel clad in white they see,
Who sat, and spake unto the three,
“Your Lord doth go to Galilee.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

That night th’apostles met in fear;
Amidst them came their Lord most dear,
And said, “My peace be on all here.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

When Thomas first the tidings heard,
How they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples’ word.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

“My pierced side, O Thomas, see;
My hands, My feet, I show to thee;
Not faithless but believing be.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
“Thou art my Lord and God,” he cried.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

How blessed are they who have not seen,
And yet whose faith has constant been;
For they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

On this most holy day of days
Our hearts and voices, Lord, we raise
To Thee, in jubilee and praise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

-----

Words by Jean Tisserand

Nolo Mortem Pecatoris

Nolo mortem peccatoris; Haec sunt verba Salvatoris.

(I do not wish the death of a sinner: these are the words of the saviour).

Father, I am thine only Son, sent down from heav'n mankind to save.

Father, all things fulfill'd and done according to thy will, I have.

Father, my will now all is this: Nolo mortem peccatoris.

Father, behold my painful smart, taken for man on every side;

Ev'n from my birth to death most tart, no kind of pain I have denied,

but suffer'd all, and all for this; Nolo peccatoris

-----

 Words: Medieval Carol

My God, And Is Thy Table Spread?

My God, and is they table spread?

And does thy cup with love o'er flow?

Thither be all thy children led,

and let them all its sweetness know.

Hail, sacred feast, which Jesus makes,

rich banquet of his flesh and blood!

Thrice happy he who here partakes

that sacred stream, that heavenly food!

O let thy table honoured by,

and furnished well with joyful guests;

and may each soul salvatoin see,

that here its sacred pledges tastes.

-----

Words by Philip Doddridge

Spring In The Air

Today's Palm Sunday, the beginning of Passion week which ends next Sunday with the glorious resurrection of Christ.  As usual I went to the early service at church.  I was the reader, and I also served Holy Communion.  What a privilege it is to serve God's children in this way!

It was a beautiful day, sunny, crispy, and chilly.  Spring is in the air, but the moment you step outside reach of the sun's rays you're reminded that winter hasn't signed off yet.  I got home wishing I'd dressed a little warmer.

Still, I managed to take a few pictures worth sharing.