About two weeks after my family and I looked at Madison Villas, we went to the Hawthorne sales centre at the Walnut Grove neighbourhood in Langley, BC. I've been seeing the signs for the Hawthorne, as well as the buildings that are still being constructed, on my way home from work.
The show home is a 1-bedroom + den, 1-bathroom unit. At approximately 721 square feet, it is a very compact space; it is also bigger than the similar unit at Madison Villas. I like the dark wood - walnut, I think - used in the furniture. I also like that the bedroom and living room are big enough for solitary living (read: possible spinsterhood). The bench at the bedroom window was also a nice touch to the space. The stainless steel kitchen appliances and granite countertops are great, but both should be expected in newly built condominiums, right? Since it is a small unit, the home stager used the space well with minimal furniture and decor. The bedroom also has a decent-sized walk-in closet. The den is cute and could work as a tiny office or reading area; however, it is much too small for me. Worst comes to worst, I could probably make it work as a small reading area, and use the dining table for my writing/blogging. But a 7'4" by 6'0" den is too small for my needs. I'm also wary of visitors using the en suite bathroom and having access to the bedroom. I'm private that way. I haven't gotten the exact price from the realtor, but he said it's between $240,000 and $270,000, or between $332.87 and $374.48 per square unit.
He did show me the floor plan for a 2-bedroom + study, 2-bathroom unit. It is approximately 904 square feet, but is still smaller than its Madison Villas counterpart. I assume it also has a walk-in closet, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, laminate hardwood floors, and all modern condo features. This unit is better for privacy purposes, because there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The other bedroom could be the office, while the space for the study could be occupied by bookcases for my tonnes of books. The only problem with this unit is the price: the second-floor suite is $334,900, or $370.46 per square unit. It is more expensive than the 2-bed + flex, 2-bath unit at Madison Villas by $97,000! I do understand why it's expensive - the Hawthorne is walking distance from transit, IGA supermarket, Shoppers Drug Mart, Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Royal Bank, Colossus Langley, et cetera - but I could have used that 97-grand to pay off the mortgage for the Madison Villa unit or to buy furniture.
*Sigh* Fantastic location, great square footage (for me, anyway), Marcon-quality, and Starline Windows-quality. Oh, did I mention that it's only five to 10 minutes away from work? It's only so darned expensive. I e-mailed the realtor regarding the unit similar to the show home, but he never got back to me.
The series, which is set in Boston, is currently filming in New York. According to the article, the possibility that the State of New York's film/television production tax incentive program - "which just run out of funds" - will not be replenished by the state's governor, David Paterson, is the main reason for the potential move. Apparently, the $685 million budget for Fringe was expected to last until 2013, but is all used up. We all know J.J. Abrams does not make his shows cheap - judging from both LOST and Fringe's expensive pilot episodes, as well as million-dollar budgets per episode - so it is no surprise that all the allocated money for Fringe had been used up. Moreover, both California and Ottawa (which is Canada's capital and is in the Ontario province, in case you don't know) have started enticing productions with their own tax incentive programs.
Hmmm... How would I feel if I saw Joshua Jackson, Lance Reddick, or John Noble around the Greater Vancouver area? So happy and so excited, of course!
However, this is not set in stone, so I can't get excited just yet. As far as I know, FOX has not officially picked up Fringe for a second season. So there really is no reason to get excited at this point in time.
I'd probably throw a party if Fringe is picked up for a second season and if its filming moves to Vancouver. Maybe.
In the spirit of Valentine's Day - that is, the worst day in the year for me - I am going to start writing about my hunt for my dream condo unit.
The first place I've actually looked at was mentioned to me by the C's. They looked at the building the week before and they liked it. So they suggested that we look at the units on 25 January 2009. Madison Villas at Brydon Creek is located at the 5500 block of 198th Street in Langley. It is closer to downtown Langley than I am right now and is about 40 blocks away from my current workplace. The show home was a 1-bedroom + flex, 1-bathroom unit and is approximately 688 square feet. The flex room can be my office, while the master bedroom is big enough for me. The unit has a walk-in closet, wood laminate flooring, stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite kitchen and bathroom countertops, and a deck, among other things. Unfortunately, the unit's living and dining areas are a little cramped for me, especially with several people in the room. The first-floor deck is also a tad too accessible to robbers, murderers, and other evil people. A unit similar to the show home is selling for CDN $199,900 or $290.55 per square foot.
Mrs C suggested two units on the third floor that I might like. The first is a 2-bedroom + flex, 2-bathroom unit and is approximately 1065 square feet. It is, obviously, bigger than the show home, yet it has the same features as the cheaper unit. The flex room could be my office and its distance from the master bedroom will help curb my workaholism. I especially like the walk-in closet and ensuite master bathroom. The deck is big enough for a small party too. However, the dining area is bigger than the living/sitting area. It is selling for $239,900 or $225.26 per square foot.
The second unit is also a 2-bedroom + flex, 2-bathroom unit, but is a little smaller than the other third floor unit, at 1007 square feet. It has the same features as all the other units, and the living area is slightly bigger than the dining area. It is closer to the storage room than the other third floor unit. The unit is selling for $237,900 or $236.25 per square unit.
Any of these units would be great for my first home. I love the walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and wood laminate floorings. I do not recall the monthly strata fee, but I remember it is reasonable for the amenities, such as the electric fireplaces, exercise room, meeting room, and library. There are storage lockers in the individual units, as well as storage rooms in, I believe, all four floors. The building also has a nice facade. I do not have to worry about mowing the lawn or shoveling the snow off the driveway.
My only complaint is that the nearest bus stop is at least 14 minutes away from the building. It is also farther from my current workplace and it will take me 41 minutes to commute to work, as opposed to half an hour.
Also, I do not have the money yet to buy the third unit I looked at. I haven't even been pre-approved yet! I'd also need money to buy a new queen bed and other furniture.
*Sigh* I guess I'd have to keep looking - and get pre-approved. Stay tuned for more condo hunting trips.
Aside from the regular 14 tracks, there are two bonus tracks, as well as bonus DVD.
Bonus Tracks
Tip Of My Tongue
The Day We Fell Apart
Bonus DVD List
Making The Video
Making The Album
"My Life Would Suck Without You" (Music Video)
Photo Gallery
The deluxe edition is only a buck more than the regular edition, so I'm definitely pre-ordering it. Yay!
UPDATE:Amazon.ca just lowered the price for it. When I pre-ordered the deluxe edition, the price was $17.99 Canadian. The regular edition is now $14.99 Canadian.
The track listing for Kelly Clarkson's new album, All I Ever Wanted, has been released on her official website, KellyOfficial.com!
My Life Would Suck Without You
I Do Not Hook Up
Cry
Don't Let Me Stop You
All I Ever Wanted
Already Gone
If I Can't Have You
Save You
Whyyawannabringmedown
Long Shot
Impossible
Ready
I Want You
If No One Will Listen
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! So excited!!! Why can't it be March 10th already????
All I Ever Wanted can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com, as well as on Amazon.ca. There is also a deluxe edition (CD/DVD) available for pre-order on both American and Canadian Amazon sites.
And I thought the album will be released on 17th of March (i.e. St. Patrick's Day)? Now it's 10th of March? Well... even better!
According to their joint statement, Ms Kelly says:
"Mathew Knowles has been a positive influence in my career. I have had great success under his guidance - both as a member of Destiny's Child and with my solo projects. Although we have decided to part ways professionally, the Knowles family and the entire Music World Entertainment team will always be my family."
"After a very positive meeting between Kelly Rowland and myself, we have amicably agreed to end our professional relationship. My company, Music World, will continue to manage Destiny's Child as a group. As an artist, Kelly has incredible talent, and I only wish her the best. We will always be family first and foremost, and as a dad, I only have love for Kelly."
Rumours that Ms Kelly will be managed by 19 Entertainment after she's freed are kinda like jumping the gun. BV Buzz reports that Ms Kelly has not decided whom to hire as her new manager.
I did not know about the rumours that Ms Kelly's decision to leave Music World Entertainment has something to do with wanting to "approach her junior solo CD" - still with Columbia Records - "with a fresh start".
I can't wait already!
Also, BV Buzz reports that Ms Kelly has a show "being developed at the Style Network that is expected to launch before the end of the year". Rumour has it that she shot a pilot in Miami for a travel and lifestyle show called Around The World. Could be it.
So happy for Ms Kelly! She's finally free and she has a TV show being developed! Yay!
But who will be her new manager? Simon Fuller of 19 Entertainment? The Firm? Stay tuned.
