Is your building half-full or half-empty?

It's May, and the weather is indicating that it might really be spring.

In the apartment management world, that brings good news and bad news. The good news is that you can put the snow shovels away. The bad news that many of the tenants are packing up and moving on.

Traditionally, people get the itch for something new in the spring. For some, the need for change can be satisfied with a shopping trip to the mall or some plants for the patio. For others, it's time to move on to a new home.

I don't know about you, but packing up and moving isn't my favorite pastime. I will admit that when you move frequently you tend to offload the 'extras' in your life. The essentials for living get pared down fairly quickly.

A friend of mine says she can pack the essentials of her life in her car and be ready to roll.

We had a former tenant who would stay 'indoors' during the winter months but as soon as the snow melted he was ready to move on. He was an older guy who left riding his bike with a small trailer behind it bound for Oregon. I was grateful to hear that he had reached his destination.

Why do we move? Is it really about the place we live or is it about changing something or just anything in our lives?

If your family has grown and a single bedroom just won't do, or you have adopted a new puppy that is growing rapidly and truly needs a yard instead of an apartment, it's easy to justify the move.

Others just have the itch, and don't like to stay too long in one place. It's about the adventure. New places. New horizons. New memories.

Whether you are bidding farewell to your neighbor or looking forward to a summer BBQ together, embrace the community where you live.

"Home is where the heart is".. a theme that has been passed along through song and word. If you love where you are and who you are with (even if that's only yourself), you are home, because love is there.

Was your most recent residence a house?

Difficult economic conditions have changed the lives of many Americans. Whether you are older or younger, you have been affected by the issues that dominate headline news.

For many of you, apartment living was only a place where 'other' people lived. You may have been raised in a house, and purchased your own home early in your adulthood.

Today is a new day. Foreclosures are at an all-time high and Americans are forced to walk away from their family homes because there is no other choice. It breaks my heart to think of those who have been forced to leave a home and their heritage.

But, as apartment dwellers, we want to welcome you to the world of apartment living.

Yes, it is a closer human connection than you are used to and the sounds of others coming and going may take some adjustment, but you will survive.

If you were an adventurous child, consider it another adventure. Life will change and you will have some great stories to tell your grandchildren.

No matter your living conditions, remember, you are special. You have not failed. Life is taking you in another direction.. temporarily. Instead of blaming yourself, embrace the lessons you are learning. Doors of opportunity will open ahead of you.

Periodically, we take on some pet sitting jobs in other's homes. Living in an apartment building and then living in a house, I am keenly aware of the difference. It is a bit eery when the sounds of the neighbors taking their dog out at 5:00 a.m. becomes part of the background noise and actually makes you feel safe. The first night sleeping in another location and all the familiarity of 'home' is missing.

You will get used to the sights and sounds of your new neighborhood.

Welcome to apartment living! We are glad to have you as part of the family.

Have you, a family member or a friend been the victim of a crime?

Unfortunately, your response will probably be yes. Our lives are touched by crime every day. If you choose to read the newspaper or watch the evening news, the headlines are usually filled with the latest crime spree in our world.

Is there a solution or do we just throw up our hands and say, "We surrender!"?

I think not.

You can be a part of the solution. In your apartment community, it is likely that criminal activity will infringe upon 'your space'.

As an apartment manager, I needed help to address the crime problems in our neighborhood. In 1998, I was introduced to a program for apartment buildings called the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. www.crime-free-assocation.org

Through this program, we started a partnership with the local police department and Spokane's Community Policing Program. (www.spokanecops.org) It showed our apartment community how we could turn the scales from being 'victims' to being 'victors'.

The results were fantastic. By educating our tenants, we equipped them to walk without fear in their community and to take an active part in keeping their home 'crime free'.

This may sound appealing to many of you. How do I get involved? There are many resources.

First, start with your property manager or landlord and find out if they have any crime prevention plans or programs in place. If they do, find out what you can do to take part.

Second, contact your local police department to determine their resources. The police department need your cooperation in fighting crime. They cannot be everywhere, so our eyes and ears are vital to accomplish our mutual goal of fewer crimes and victims.

Third, make a commitment to practice crime prevention as an individual and as a family. You may have the tools, but if you never pick up the hammer, the house will never be built.

I can assure you that my crime prevention training has saved my life and kept me from injury on more than one occasion. With this crime prevention education, many former tenants are alive and have made healthier choices for themselves.

This week, the Washington State Crime Prevention Association (WSCPA) www.wscpaonline.org is holding their 40-hour Basic Crime Prevention Course in Spokane. Their mission is to contribute to the reduction and control of criminal victimization in the State of Washington by training law enforcement personnel to educate their communities.

This morning, I will be speaking to the group and sharing my success stories about the benefits of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.

Do you deserve a safe place to live where fear does not rule your life? Yes, you do.

Can you walk with confidence wherever you go? Yes, you can.

Crime prevention.. YOU are the solution. Join us today to make your community a safer place to live, work and play.

Here at the Apartment Living blog, my intention is to dedicate one blog entry per week to the topic of Crime Prevention. If there is a topic you want addressed, please email me at apartmentlady1@gmail.com

How many of you remember Woody the Woodpecker cartoons? Raise your hands.

You can put your hands down now, for those of you who enthusiastically raised them.

It's good to admit that you have some 'history' when it comes to living. Nothing to be ashamed of there.

My point is this. It is spring and many birds have popped out of wherever birds hide in the cold months.

We have little ones that like to eat bread crumbs, and large ones like soaring eagles that need a little larger fare to satify their palate.

Since we moved from the 'city' to the 'valley',which has more trees and natural beauty, we have observed a larger variety of birds other than pigeons, with whom we had become intimately familiar.

Woodpeckers.. nature's own jack hammers have discovered a new pastime.. setting up homes in the exterior walls of our wooden apartment buildings.

Many times when I heard the rat-a-tat-tat, I thought it was the construction workers that are buildng homes on the hill. Alas, that was not the correct conclusion.

The other day when my husband and I were walking to the office to pay our rent, we observed one industrious fellow who was creating a new hideaway. He was hammering away with his beak and then periodically checking if he would fit inside. Not quite big enough yet... he thought.. I need room for me and my girlfriend.

Well, it seems that Woody's great-great-grandchildren, Wendell and Wendy are busy at work here, creating countless holes around the property. Woody seemed to contain his pecking to trees or places he created messages, while his heirs are creating havoc in the walls.

It's time for some creative thinking to re-direct the woodpecker's energy to a more creative place... an outside contractor is putting on his thinking cap to resolve that issue.

If you are curious about the birds around you, the ones you want to attract and those that have set up residence and you want to send them packing, an excellent resource is this website:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/index.htm

The pages are filled with a variety of wildlife from woodpeckers to skunks and many other creatures, too. It's a great place to entertain and educate your children and grandchildren.

Today is a beautiful Sunday and it appears that the woodpeckers are having a day of rest, but they'll be back tomorrow morning.. guaranteed.

Bye for now from Woody..

Have you every had an epiphany?

Usually we associate an epiphany with something a little more spiritual, but yesterday I had one in my kitchen.

The night before my husband had cooked a wonderful chicken dinner, but he is a braver cook than I am and had roasted it without a cover.

The results were a great chicken dinner.. but an oven that needed to be cleaned.

Since we left the apartment management world, I have been focusing on living life more simply and healthier. In addition, one of my frontiers is being more 'green'.. not meaning flush with cash.. but more environmentally friendly.

So, I turned to my favorite information tool in the house.. my computer and the Internet. I had heard about natural cleaning solutions involving vinegar and baking soda but wasn't sure what the correct mixture was...especially to clean a spattered oven.

Much to my delight, I found the solution with a simple Google search. For those of you who haven't found the delights of 'googling' , it's like an encyclopedia only better. :)

www.vinegartips.com/cleaning/

This website has a wealth of information and it had the perfect solution to my problem.

I made this amazing cleaning solution with baking soda, vinegar and dishwashing soap. (see the website for the recipe)

I was a bit skeptical until I took the first swipe with my sponge. It took the gunk off without scrubbing... WOW! I just used a regular sponge and this solution and it did amazing things.

In my zeal, I invited my husband into the kitchen to observe 'the magic'.. His comment was, "Where was this stuff during our years of cleaning as resident managers?"

My thoughts exactly. So.. spare yourself some pain and extra money and toxic fumes, and check it out. It does need a healthy rinse when you finish, just as the directions said.

When you are taking a break from the sunshine, cleaning your oven and the rest of the kitchen is a snap!

Have you noticed any changes in your apartment community?

These would not necessarily include a new roof on your building or an outdoor pool, but simple things like new tenants and a full and overflowing dumpster.

Last weekend, I was walking through a neighborhood in a different part of the city and I was surprised to see what popped up along the curb.

In two different locations, households had caught the spring spirit and were moving out the old in anticipation of the new.

For instance, in one place there was what appeared to be a nice comfy brown recliner until you looked more closely and noticed the interesting, large stain in the center of the seat.. thanks, but no thanks...

While out walking our friend's dog, I saw another interesting sight... an exercise machine.. a treadmill sort of thing. When I got closer, I could see a large sign on the front that said 'FREE!" and then in small print it said, the batteries must be tightly banded together to make contact. Interesting....I'm thinking you might need some large rubber bands to make that project work or else giant twist ties???

Ultimately, I decided that it looked great alongside their driveway. Some potted plants might be a nice accent.

The neighbors have started their 'mini' gardens, as in potted plants and flowers. With small balcony areas, there isn't room for rows of vegetables. If you have a community garden at your place, I know that our local food bank is always looking for extra food.

But.. I'm getting way ahead of myself. We haven't had enough sustained good weather to think about planting a garden yet. I'm sure the gentleman farmers are getting their seeds ready to start the season.

Our weather is still quite unpredictable. April showers bring May flowers, but I'm not sure that the great sage that said this was thinking about SNOW showers.

Spring has sprung. Thoughts of warm days, shorts and sandals and backyard barbecues are keeping all of us on the edge of our seats.

Consider how you can celebrate spring.. just make sure to keep the volume down so your neighbors have no compaints.

Next to writing, one of my greatest passions is crime prevention and teaching others to be safe... wherever they are.

As an apartment manager and tenant myself, I want to live in a place that is safe. A home where I am not afraid. Renting from a landlord that understands my number one priority is security for myself, my family and my belongings.

In our lives, when we are consumed by fear, nothing else can happen. We are stuck! Everywhere we turn we see disaster, either real or imagined.

That is not a good way to live.

When we take down the "Welcome Criminals Here" sign in our home, whether an apartment or a house, it goes a long way in subsiding our fears.

A good friend of mine was a crime prevention practitioner for almost twenty years. She died about three and half years ago... way before her time, at least that was my opinion.

Sandy had a no-nonsense way about her. She empowered other people to take control of their lives. In simple ways, she drilled that lesson home. At times, I can still hear her voice and her sound advice.

Let me pass along a few tips to you:

1. When you walk down the street, walk with confidence. Your head up surveying the area where you are headed. Your attitude says, "I know where I'm going" not " I am your next victim".

2. Ladies and purses.. they were her pet peeve. For years when I was working at the apartment building, I wore cargo pants. The little that I needed, I carried in my pockets. Purses are a banquet invitation to a criminal looking for a score.

3. Listen to your gut instincts. You know what I'm talking about. That uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach when something just doesn't feel right. It could be the neighborhood you just walked into or the person who is approaching you or the pack of people hanging out in the dark under the freeway overpass. LISTEN! Do not doubt yourself. If it feels wrong, it probably is wrong. Turn around and go the other way, or cross the street... just don't go where your stomach says no.

These instincts kept me out of trouble in many situations. An animal, especially a dog, is really good at reading people, too. Our dog could spot trouble at least two blocks away. He helped develop my skills in doing the same.

In your apartment community, if there are safety issues or you are interested in some additional crime prevention training to address a problem, talk to the apartment manager or landlord. It is worth their time and investment to keep all their tenants safe.

Here's to a safe weekend.

Has the cleaning bug bitten you yet?

First, I want to clarify that as far as I know, there is no actual bug in the insect world that is a 'cleaning bug'.

Second, my intention is not to give you the heebie-jeebies about bugs. So wipe the picture of bugs from your brain.

Back to the story...

We live in a one-bedroom apartment. Space is at a premium. It is always interesting to find ways to create more space without actually remodeling. (As an apartment dweller, not owner, we are not allowed to do that in our lease.)

I am a writer who works at home... without a separate room for an 'office'. I usually find a space wherever one is available. Sometimes the competition between the computer and the T.V. is a bit much. Either a show I like or one I don't can become a distraction.

Yesterday, we moved some things around. Now I have a corner in the bedroom to use the computer and write. I have an upcoming project that I need a quiet place to accomplish.. code for.. not next to the television.

Well, the interesting thing about moving a bedroom around and adding a table and computer is figuring out the puzzle. What fits and what doesn't? And of course, the looming question, if I have to get up in the middle of the night, is there a safe path out of the bedroom? That encompasses the needs for a midnight snack, glass of water, or pit stop.

At first it seemed like there was more space in the bedroom, then after everything was in place.. there wasn't quite as much 'extra' room... but it works. Even now as I write this, I am looking out the window at the wind blowing through the trees.. no rain please. :)

You might ask what about the extra stuff that remains after your in-home shuffle?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Donate any used items that are in good condition to a charitable organization. There are legions of them looking for items. In an effort, not to sway your decision I won't list my favorites. Remember, clothes, household items, storage containers... your junk is someone else's treasure.

2. Recycle what you can: Cardboard, plastic, cans, newspapers, magazines. When we were apartment managers, I had several people who would donate their books and magazines to the apartment community's 'library' so others could enjoy them. Ask your apartment manager if they accept donations.

3. Clean and dust as you move things. This is called multi-tasking. As you move items within one room, or from one room to another, have a dustcloth handy. You can do your cleaning and home re-decorating at the same time.

4. Take a hot shower or bath when you finish. Alas, moving heavy items is not a usual part of your day unless you are a mover for a living. You may have some unusual aches and pains. Give yourself a break. Tend to your aching back and shoulders when just a little heat will relieve the pain.

When you are finished, you may find that you have a created a breath of fresh air indoors. A new perspective on spring can send the winter blues packing.

Have fun!

Did you see the full moon in your neighborhood this weekend?

If you were fortunate between the clouds and snowflakes, you caught a glimpse of the spectacular sight of the full moon.

When I was an apartment manager, the full moon was a date that was circled on the desk calendar. You might ask why?

Well, things change around the full moon event. Scientifically, they say it has to do with the tides and the strong pull of the moon in this phase, or something like that. There are some that would argue that this day is the same as any other.

On this score, I would challenge you. From my experience, we found that three days before the full moon and up to three days after its peak, strange things happened.

Talking with other professionals in the field from grocery store checkers to police officers, EMT's, hospital personnel and mental health workers, their lives are filled with more activity and erratic behaviors during this time.

Each of us is in tune with nature because of our water connection. Elements as basic as the force of gravity. If one thing is out of balance in our bodies, our reaction can be magnified. Personally, I can testify that when the weather is changing especially to cold and damp weather or snow, all of my old bone breaks or sprains act up. Pain takes on a different dimension.

If you doubt this theory, next month pay a little closer attention to the people in your apartment community or fellow customers in the grocery store. The news will be filled with more altercations and violence and possibly nature herself will kick up her heels a bit.

What's the best way to handle it? Remember, it's only a week out of your life each month. Respond with a smile. Don't knowingly walk into a situation that looks like it's going to blow up. If someone is acting violently or appears to need help, then call a professional to help them.

As an apartment manager, I was grateful that a full moon only came once a month. Now and then, we had two in one month. Wow! Life is really interesting then.

Enjoy this blossoming spring. It's full of excitement-- rain, snow, sleet, hail and yes, some sunshine, too.

Today is my wedding anniversary.

We have been married for six years. It has been quite a journey. As with most journeys, there were some unexpected curly Q's with a few stop signs, yield signs and the most favorable green lights thrown in for good measure.

The path has been strewn with laughter and tears. Moments I would like to repeat. Trials I am thankful I endured only once.

Today we will celebrate life. Creatively we have planned the day. From coffee time to lunch to dinner.. (no, our entire day doesn't revolve around food), we have some fun ideas to fill our day together.

I promise to stay away from the computer except to check my emails in the morning and at night. (Trust me, that is an improvement.)

Celebrations. Benchmarks in your life. How do you celebrate? Is it about people and relationships or putting on a good show? This year our focus is on spending time with each other. Simple pleasures. A picnic in the park. (Yes, it is going to be sunny.) A movie at home.

Life goes by quickly. Too soon the years have flown by and all that remains are the memories.

I encourage you the next time a special occasion comes around.. STOP!... take the time to appreciate the moment.

It is true, we will never pass this way again.

Off to the sunshine! Enjoy the day, I will.