Getting Into Shape in 2014

Some of you may have been following my escapades at Life Time Gym for the past few months.  I have been trying, and at times I feel succeeding, my journey to get into shape for the spring/summer of 2014.  AND, it hasn't been easy.

When I first joined the gym, I thought I knew what I was doing so for a few months I tackled an exercise routine on my own.  I was fortunate that the Gym provided support for new members with a Personal Trainer.  Well, it so happens that this old broad was a little more stubborn that these young Trainers could handle.  The first young lady -- very nice and polite as all begone -- just told me what she would have her mother do.  Well, she was just too kind and I took advantage of this.  After a couple of sessions with her I realized that I wasn't getting anywhere.  So, found Personal Trainer number 2.  This one was recommended to me by my hubby.  I will insert something here - my hubby and I are polar opposites.  He did fine, and once again, I had a Trainer that was uncomfortable in pushing me do something that he KNEW was good for me.  And my subborn streak would show up and it was once again "NO".  Before I got to really know this young man, he left the gym.  (And, no, I don't think it was my fault) 

Now, I continued my journey.  Because I have been in the 'people' field for most of my life I decided that I was going to watch the Trainers that were already working with Clients.  I felt that maybe I could find someone that would be a good fit for my personality.  Now, that's not an easy task.  One young man always stood out in the crowd.  Not only is about 6 feet 5 inches tall, but built like a Mac Truck.  I watched him closely, almost like I was stalking him, for about 2 months and then I decided that I had had enough of not producing results and approached Alwin (maybe I should call him Mr. Mascoll - ah, heck no) and requested an appointment.  Well, the rest is history.  I still have not achieved what I thought I would to this day, but I'm hoping that he has it in him to keep pushing me.  As an addendum, I must say I have the utmost respect for this young man.  He has put up with a lot of "stuff" from me.  I congratulate him for lasting this long.

What brought this blog on?  Well, I was reading in the paper this morning about becoming stronger physically and mentally, perhaps losing a few of those nasty pounds that have been creeping up in the past few years of my life.  The Personal Trainers that have contributed to the article all started with a cardio workout.  Yes, I do cardio.  I will NOT use the treadmill and therefore, Alwin has introduced me to an elyptical machine that I have learned to like.  We started out, and remain, having sessions together twice a week but he has introduced me to core training.  He is adamant that I use proper form.  He is an athlete (semi-pro football) and therefore knows about this stuff.  We have gone to weight training and are now introducing different exercises to wake some more of my muscles up.  The article in the paper gives you a list of how to introduce yourself to exercise.  After a few months of 'going it alone' they all recommend a Personal Trainer to make sure you're using proper form.  Get one before you do damage to your body.  This I have repeated to many...even my own family...hubby and son are both getting Training from Alwin.  I cannot stress how important it is to have a professional trainer guide you towards your goals.

I go to the gym for sure 4 times a week (it's only an hour out of my day) and truly strive for that 5th day.

Those who know me, when next time you see me you may not recognize me.  I have found I do have a lot more energy to get my work as a Realtor accomplished.  I am not as stressed as I used to be, but I still have a little bit of a stubborn streak in me (ask my Trainer). 

If you're ever around at Life Time Gym in the mornings, look for me and come up and say hello.  I wish all of you luck in this voyage.  It's not easy.  But if I can persevere, so can you. 

This is just for something different - I am not just a Realtor.  But now, I'm a much happier Realtor.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
416 427 1875

Am I Getting Old?

As I do my travels through neighbourhoods in Mississauga, I have noticed that there are so many families just getting back from their summer vacations and now are starting to scramble to prepare their children to go back to school.  It doesn't matter whether it's elementary school or post secondary, the excitement is starting to build.

I was at the gym and the parents are starting to bring in their youngins to give them something to do while they do their own workouts.  Some don't even want to be up.

I'm being a little bit nostalgic these days because it has brought back so many memories when my children were at home with me.  My son and I were 'sharing a moment' yesterday when he says to me: "Mom, do you know that it's been 10 years ago that I finished High School?"  I looked at him and all of a sudden I saw this young man in front of me.  When did he grow up?  Those years have just flown by.  You might know, I have also have a daughter.  She is a couple years younger so it's only been 8 years for her.

I remember the days that both my children came into our lives.  That was an ouch!  (HAHAHA!!!!  I don't want to scare anyone that is having their first).   Both are now adults!  When did this happen?  Their doors have been opened for so many great things!  They have gone through these doors, at times hesitantly, but when passed, the smiles spread from ear to ear.  Pressures of school, peer pressures, occupational choices...they had to make their own.  Of course, dad and mom were there to lend an ear or even a shoulder when necessary, but the decision was theirs to be made.  A long time ago, we instilled in them that all decisions had consequences so make sure you make sound decisions.  Of course they made mistakes...that's the only way to learn...but they were learned not to repeat the ones where they didn't like the consequence.

Now, they have moved on and are spreading their wings and flying.  I sit back and wonder if I could have made it easier for them?  No, I think if I had, they wouldn't be the fantastic young adults that they are.  Was there any advice that I could have given them that they would appreciate?  Probably not yet, but maybe one day they will remember the few little pieces of advice that I gave them.  There is so much for them to get from Twitter, Facebook, and Google.  My advice was from the heart.

For all of you that  have children that are growing up, or are now going on to create their own niches in the world, give your kids a hug!  Remind them that the tears that are shed when you say 'see you soon' are happy tears!  This is their turn!  You, as my husband and I, have helped provide the stepping stones.

Thank you for letting me do a little bit of nostalgic writing.

Betty Bartusevicius
416 427 1875

 

August Already????

We can all feel it, can’t we?  As soon as we turn the page on our calendars to August, we know that there isn’t much left of summer so we try to squeeze in as much time outdoors as we can.  We don’t want to think about anything but how much more summer we can get before we start to change our wardrobes and our schedules.  In my neighbourhood, I see excitement starting for the little ones as they think that school is just about to start and they get to wear new clothes and use those clean books and sharp pencils for the first as their school year starts.  Teenagers, on the other hand, have just started to come out of hibernation, not happily, I might add.  The post secondary students are starting prepare their sojourn away from home for the first time if they are first year, and those going into second year…well, the garages are starting to fill up with their ‘stuff’ that they will be taking with them.  Excitement everywhere!

Now for some of us, the Fall Real Estate Market is just around the corner, are you ready?  This is the second busiest time of the year to sell or purchase a home!  You may still be trying to get into a specific school district neighbourhood and you haven’t had much success.  Well, maybe now is the time to explore what is out there.  Perhaps you are thinking of downsizing before the snow flies!

If you have any questions about the Real Estate Market, feel free to read the most recent Market Watch on my web site at www.bettybart.com.  It get’s updated at the beginning of every month as soon as the report comes out.  Save a tree and read it on line.  After you've finished, and you have questions, feel free to call/text me directly at 416 427 1875.

Maybe this is the time to make sure your finances are in order.  You should have your questions answered about Mortgages.  How much can you afford?  Find out BEFORE you head out the door with your Realtor so you don't look at homes that you cannot afford and the process becomes too stressful for you.

What are the Mortgage Rates?  Depends who you talk to.  Let me connect you with a wonderful Mortgage Specialist that will provide you with the information that you need.

Now, get out and enjoy the few of weeks of summer.  My phone is charged up and my pencils are sharpened.  If you see my sign for an open house on any given weekend, come on in and say ‘hello’!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative  ASA
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
OFFICE: 905 828 3434
DIRECT: 416 427 1875
EMAIL: betty@bettybart.com
WEB SITE: www.bettybart.com

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under brokerage contract

 

 

Public Swimming Pools

"We're having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave"

It's summer time in the city and we are melting AND it's okay!  Unfortunately, we can't get out to enjoy it.  We're all hiding in our air conditioned homes.  Those of us fortunate to have a swimming pool in our backyards ARE out there enjoying the dog days of summer!  Just putting your feet in cooling water is helpful.

If you live in Mississauga, you have probably heard that they are closing South Common Pool for sprucing up.  It is one of the more popular public pools for swimming lessons, aquatic exercise, and recreational swimming.  Now that it's not available to the general public until approximately mid-September all you have to do is go south on Erin Mills Parkway for the closest alternative and that's David Ramsay Outdoor Pool at 2470 Thornlodge Drive and it's only about a 5 minute drive away.

David Ramsay Pool has extended their "OPEN" hours to accommodate many, especially during this heat wave, they are open a little longer.

Get in there and use the facility.  It has had a HUGE renovation completed 2 summers ago.  You will enjoy the outdoors, no need to be indoors this time of year.  You will hear the laughter of children AND adults alike.  It's in a beautiful neighbourhood of Sheridan Homelands.

Get out there an learn to swim, get some exercise, or just enjoy the outdoors during this short summer season.

Compliments of:

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative  ASA
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
DIRECT/TEXT: 416 427 1875
EMAIL:  betty@bettybart.com

After The Storm

I guess the summer of 2013 will go down in record books.  Being that Toronto survived a gruelling rain storm that caused havoc throughout the city and surrounding areas.  The last blackout we had, we didn't have to deal with flooding.  We just had no power.  The residents of Etobicoke suffered a little longer than most (at least what I heard) as they were without power for about 2 days.

At this point, we have ALL looked over our Home Insurance Policies and, if needed, we called our carriers and had someone come out and look at the damage if there was any.  We were very fortunate on my street in the Sheridan Homelands as no one had a flooded basement.  I can't speak for anyone else, but I didn't see much damaged goods placed out to dry or to be picked up by trash the following day.  We had power within four hours.  Others were a little longer in Mississauga, and then there were those who were fortunate to have power back sooner.

We are being asked to help preserve power usage so that we don't have a blackout due to sudden surges of power once it has come back on.  I imagine most, including myself, charged up all their phones, mobile devices, etc. as soon as the  power comes on.  Maybe it's time to think about to use our energy a little differently.  Oh, and don't forget to start backing up the information on your computers!

Most of our energy is used for heating and cooling the home, with hot water coming in a close second place.   Good energy habits help you save money and the way we use energy plays a big role in how much we’re paying for it.  Simple choices we make every day can go a long way to help us manage our energy use, cut costs and protect the environment around the year.

You have probably heard about how to lower energy costs:

1.  Choose off-peak hours.  Of course these hours vary from household to household.  If you are shift work, your hours will be different from the 'typical' off peak hours.  Weekends and evenings are typically when electricity rates are the lowest.

2.  Use a programmable thermostat to reduce energy use. 

3.  Consider caulking and weather stripping.  Plugging up air leaks is pretty inexpensive and helps save during the winter and summer months.  While the weather is warm, perhaps this is a good time to check out your caulking and weather stripping around all your doors and windows.

These are just 3.  Do you have some that you possibly could add?  Make your own list.  Then, when you have a few minutes, try to complete the list while the weather is warm.

This storm took us all by surprise.  It certainly proved to many of us how much we depend on our electronic devices, and on technology, to function.  I heard someone say yesterday: "I got angry, I cried, I started clearing out the basement, I looked at all the memories that were lost, I was hot...then, after all the emotions were spent, I knew that my family was safe and no one could take away our memories." 

It's going to take a few days until we stop talking about this, but we will continue.  It will be stored in our memories.  Things will be fixed.  All in all, our families are safe!

Just a point of view from me!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative  ASA
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
DIRECT: 416 427 1875
EMAIL: betty@bettybart.com
WEB SITE:  www.bettybart.com

 

Betty's Pic Of The Week in Lorne Park

The residential neighbourhood of Lorne Park is located at the south end of Mississauga. 

The principal streets and roads in Lorne Park are Lakeshore Road and Lorne Park Road. The QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way) is the northern border of the neighbourhood.

My web site is a sought after resource for the weekly postings of available Lorne Park properties.  By accessing Betty's Pic of the Week and signing up for the instantly downloadable report, you can receive up to date information of some of the homes that are available in this elegant community.

Here is a list of Homes for Sale in the Lorne ParkCommunity of Mississauga.   I will be updating this list on a regular basis, so please feel free to come back several times and see what's new.

Click here to view Properties of Interest

If you are thinking of selling your house or if you are a buyer looking for that Dream Home, feel free to phone or text me directly at 416 427 1875. 

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative ASA
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
Fine Homes In Nine Oh Five
Office: 905-828-3434
Direct: 416-427-1875
Email: betty@bettybart.com
Web Site: http://www.bettybart.com

PERSISTENT AND PATIENT IN DELIVERING RESULTS!!  ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED

 

 

 

I Am An Accredited Senior Agent

A few years ago, I found myself very lucky in meeting 2 gentlemen...Chris Newell and Barry Lebow.  At the time, they were both teaching the Accreditation Programme to agents who were looking to tap into the senior market.  I have applied my knowledge many times because I do live in a neighbourhood where many seniors reside.  You may wonder why I'm writing this!  Well, I have a short story to share with you.

As the weather has turned nicer, there have been a few homes that have come on the market in the Sheridan Homelands neighbourhood.  I was out previewing homes for buyers who are interested in trying to set their roots here.  Because I have lived here for going on 30 years, I do have some knowledge of what's going on in the Real Estate Market.

I was previewing a home yesterday and this lovely little old lady was so confused as to what was happening and how busy her home was.  She was smart as a whip, but the activity was just too much for that day.  As I was finishing my peek-a-boo, she asked if I had a minute to chat with her.  Of course I did!  I wasn't looking to interfere with the Listing Agent, but I was lending an ear.  She told me about the passing of her husband and her surgery a few months back.  She told me where she was going to go from here.  She told me about her family.  She told me about her neighbours and how she was going to miss them.  I was there far longer than necessary, but she just needed someone at that particular moment to keep her company.  I told her that she had an excellent agent looking out for her, and that was the truth. because she was asking about what to do with her stuff.  I told her to ask her agent because I am sure she will be able to help her.

This brought me back to what I have said on my videos and in other blog posts.  It is a difficult time for someone who has lived in a home for MANY years to move.  They have accumulated so many things, all of a sudden they have to get rid of it, sell it, donate it...whatever...and they're not ready to part with it.  The house is on the market...it will sell quickly I'm sure...and then it depends on the closing date.  She was getting nervous whether she could empty the place out on time and who would help her with the move.  She was more worried about her garden because the landscaper she uses wasn't able to come and mow the lawn and finish planting flowers because of all the rain.  What a sweetheart!

I got off track here...if you are reaching that age where the house you reside in is too big, perhaps it's time to sit down and chat about 'the  move'.  I have an aging parent myself, and I would truly love to see her move when she wants to and where she wants to move to, before this decision is made for her. 

You may ask: "Why use an Accredited Senior Agent"?  Well, we are trained in special skills and we have the dedication needed to work with the mature and senior client.  We know the local retirement living options that are available and we can provide that information for you quite readily.  If you have family members who are going to be involved, we can take the burden of this move off their shoulders.  We do it all for you in the least stressful way that we can. Because we all know that moving is more stressful than it's made out to be.  We are there to help you make the right choice...and it will be YOUR choice!

Too all who I have talked to, and to all that might consider making a move, feel free to give me a call directly at 416 427 1875.  I do answer my phone.  I will never use any pressure tactics but I will be there when you need a strong shoulder or just a listening ear.  Let me know how I can help!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative  ASA
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
DIRECT/TEXT: 416 427 1875
EMAIL: betty@bettybart.com
www.bettybart.com
not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract