From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid

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December 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

December has arrived, everyone! If you are like me, then you can probably hardly believe it. I feel like I was just getting used to autumn, and now, BAM! it's winter all of a sudden. I feel like it's so hard for us So-Californians because every day it just looks the same outside, so there is nothing easing us from one season to the next. Sure it get slightly colder, but that's it. Okay, maybe the occasional rain too, but still. There's nothing like a good snow storm to announce the winter, but for us that's just not an option. I actually heard a song the other day that says it isn't Christmas without snow, so according to that, sorry guys, I guess the holiday is null and void for all of us without those pretty white crystal flakes falling from the sky. It just doesn't seem quite fair though. It's not our fault that it doesn't snow. I guess we'll just have to write our own version of the song, and it will be called "It's Always Christmas Without Snow". That's much more appropriate for us.

Anyways, now that Christmas time is in full swing, it's time for lots of shopping. Perhaps you already started this past Black Friday. I personally didn't, even though, like a lot of girls, I enjoy a good shopping trip. However, I do not consider a shopping trip "good" when it's at 4am. I would rather be sleeping, thank you very much. Last year was my only taste of Black Friday madness. A friend of mine convinced me to go to Old Navy at midnight after Thanksgiving and I was like, sure, what the heck, it probably won't be that crowded. I was terribly wrong. It seemed like everyone awoke from their Thanksgiving food coma with a new appetite to shop instead of eat. And so, fueled on thousands of calories of turkey and pumpkin pie, out came half of the Fullerton and La Habra area to Old Navy. I had just come along for the experience because I had never done any Black Friday shopping, but some of these people were serious about their performance fleece and scoop neck long sleeve shirts. I did buy several items myself which gave me that small feeling of satisfaction which is what I am sure drives a lot of people out into the stores at such ungodly times of night, but I don't know how they do it year after year because after grabbing my items any warm fuzzy feelings of shopping satisfaction soon vanished when I snapped back into reality.

For you see, picking out your items is only one half of the shopping equation, and as I especially realized that night, the only half that is pleasurable. The next half--and I mean the paying half of the equation--was, on this occasion, not only not pleasurable, but was extremely painful. Let me explain. As my eyes slowly lifted their gaze from my new shirts, pajamas, and socks all with their marked down price tags, my grin soon turned to a frown as I realized that the mass of people wrapping around the store weren't doing that for fun but because that was the line. Soon, I too entered the line like all of those other masochistic shoppers because personally, I didn't want to run out into the cold and get caught for shoplifting.

Then two hours later, yes I did mean two hours, I exited the line with a bagful of clothes, but also with two very sore feet and one tired and annoyed brain. At least when I stand in line at Disneyland I can say that I got to go on a cool ride after all that waiting. This time though, all I got at the end was a skinnier wallet and a few basic clothing staples. Woo hoo. I tried to justify what I had just done, but I couldn't. I just spent how much time in line for how much money off?  However, I couldn't go back and change the past. I could only learn for next year. Needless to say, this year I was sound asleep at 2a.m. Friday morning where last year I had been in line. I had got all that Black Friday nonsense out of me last year, and I am happy to report that this year I was able to enjoy my post-Thanksgiving day sleep unfettered by any shopping concerns.

I hope all of you had a lovely Thanksgiving, whether or not that included any Black Friday shenanigans. Obviously, it isn't my cup of tea, but if you are into that whole let's-lose-sleep-and-shop-instead, then go for it! Now that my page has run its course, it is time for me to bid you all adieu. May your December be merry and bright, even if it is snow free. Enjoy the Christmas season with all of your friends and family, and I will write you again for the new year. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from me The Lowly Office Aid, and from all of us at LS Real Estate!

 

Signing Off,

Joy Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

LS Real Estate

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid

November 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

November has arrived, and along with the change in the weather and the color of the foliage, the newsletter is also turning a new leaf. Now the Lowly Office Aid will be flying solo! My letter will come to you, my lovely readers, at the beginning of every month and the new newsletter will show up on its own on the fifteenth. We hope you will like the new style! I know that change is not always easy, but have no fear, The Lowly Office Aid is here! I will not let you go through this alone, I will still be here every month. So let's get on with the show!

I know that last month I was very much in resistance mode in terms of the new season, but this month, in order to set a good example for everyone, I am fully embracing the change. I think I would be considered insane if I didn't. I admit it. 

Summer is officially over. The temperature has officially dropped. The wind outside has picked up, and now our tower fan is finally getting some much needed rest. The leaves are changing colors and dropping like flies all around LA. (Well, at least the ones that can. The palm trees are still firmly green and intact.) My bathing suit is pushed deep into the back of the drawer, not to be seen again for months, and the sweaters and long sleeves are making their much needed reappearance. So I will say it now, if I haven't said it before--Fall is here, and I am trying to take full advantage of it.

For instance, during my recent trip to the grocery store, I went in with my list of the usual staples: milk, cereal, fruit, vegetables, etc... and of course, I purchased all of those things, but how could I leave without taking home some edible autumnal delights that seemed to be around every corner? So before I could stop myself, I had already caved in to the grocery store's strategically placed marketing tactics. When I got home to unload my bags, I found that I had come home with not only spiced apple cider and dried apple rings, but also pumpkin granola, pumpkin muffin mix, and pumpkin cream cheese. Yes, yes, I know, I went a little pumpkin crazy, but how could I resist! They were practically calling my name! "Joy...Joy...Come over here...pick us up...buy us...you know you can't enjoy us but one season a year...you know you want us..." And so just like that, I fell prey to their siren song, and now I am gladly drowning in pumpkin goodness. And you know what? That is only the beginning of my pumpkin obsession.

It all started a few weeks ago, when I attended a fall party where traditional and international UCLA students mingled together and delighted in everything fall. To eat, we had traditional and delicious comfort food like Mac n' Cheese and pigs in a blanket, and after we had all chowed down there were many, many desserts to indulge in-- including, of course, pumpkin scones. Thus, me and pumpkin recommenced our love affair. As much as I tried, I could not avoid his advances, because as soon as we finished, guess what? It was time to carve pumpkins. My fate was sealed.

It felt so good to be reunited with dear pumpkin. It had been too long. I even had the pleasure of introducing two Chinese girls to the charms of pumpkin. They had never carved a jack-o-lantern before, and they had a blast giving their pumpkin a mischievous grin. After I helped them, I finally had some quality alone time with my pumpkin. I scooped and scooped out those ooey, gooey seeds until I could scoop no more, and I carved to my heart's content. The best part is that I got to take home my pumpkin and show him off to everyone. I was very proud of my creation. Unfortunately, pumpkin and I had to eventually part ways because he was just getting too moldy for me. So I had to kick him to the curb. It was a sad day, but it had to be done. However, I couldn't forget about him just yet because as his final gift to me he left all of his seeds. So as my last pumpkin delight, my roommate made for us four, yes, four different flavors of pumpkin seeds and I don't know if we will ever be able to finish them! So if you have a hankering for some, you will know where to find them! Have a nifty November everyone!

 

Signing Off,

Joy Jasmine Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

LS Real Estate, Inc. 

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid: November 2011 Edition

November 2011

Take Our Quiz Question Here

Dear Friends and Family,

November has arrived, and along with the change in the weather and the color of the foliage, the newsletter is also turning a new leaf. Now the Lowly Office Aid will be flying solo! My letter will come to you, my lovely readers, at the beginning of every month and the new newsletter will show up on its own on the fifteenth. We hope you will like the new style! I know that change is not always easy, but have no fear, The Lowly Office Aid is here! I will not let you go through this alone, I will still be here every month. So let's get on with the show!

I know that last month I was very much in resistance mode in terms of the new season, but this month, in order to set a good example for everyone, I am fully embracing the change. I think I would be considered insane if I didn't. I admit it. Summer is officially over. 

The temperature has officially dropped. The wind outside has picked up, and now our tower fan is finally getting some much needed rest. The leaves are changing colors and dropping like flies all around LA. (Well, at least the ones that can. The palm trees are still firmly green and intact.) My bathing suit is pushed deep into the back of the drawer, not to be seen again for months, and the sweaters and long sleeves are making their much needed reappearance. So I will say it now, if I haven't said it before--Fall is here, and I am trying to take full advantage of it.

For instance, during my recent trip to the grocery store, I went in with my list of the usual staples: milk, cereal, fruit, vegetables, etc... and of course, I purchased all of those things, but how could I leave without taking home some edible autumnal delights that seemed to be around every corner? So before I could stop myself, I had already caved in to the grocery store's strategically placed marketing tactics. 

When I got home to unload my bags, I found that I had come home with not only spiced apple cider and dried apple rings, but also pumpkin granola, pumpkin muffin mix, and pumpkin cream cheese. Yes, yes, I know, I went a little pumpkin crazy, but how could I resist! They were practically calling my name! "Joy...Joy...Come over here...pick us up...buy us...you know you can't enjoy us but one season a year...you know you want us..." And so just like that, I fell prey to their siren song, and now I am gladly drowning in pumpkin goodness. And you know what? That is only the beginning of my pumpkin obsession.

It all started a few weeks ago, when I attended a fall party where traditional and international UCLA students mingled together and delighted in everything fall. To eat, we had traditional and delicious comfort food like Mac n' Cheese and pigs in a blanket, and after we had all chowed down there were many, many desserts to indulge in-- including, of course, pumpkin scones. Thus, me and pumpkin recommenced our love affair. As much as I tried, I could not avoid his advances, because as soon as we finished, guess what? It was time to carve pumpkins. My fate was sealed.

It felt so good to be reunited with dear pumpkin. It had been too long. I even had the pleasure of introducing two Chinese girls to the charms of pumpkin. They had never carved a jack-o-lantern before, and they had a blast giving their pumpkin a mischievous grin. After I helped them, I finally had some quality alone time with my pumpkin. I scooped and scooped out those ooey, gooey seeds until I could scoop no more, and I carved to my heart's content. 

The best part is that I got to take home my pumpkin and show him off to everyone. I was very proud of my creation. Unfortunately, pumpkin and I had to eventually part ways because he was just getting too moldy for me. So I had to kick him to the curb. It was a sad day, but it had to be done. However, I couldn't forget about him just yet because as his final gift to me he left all of his seeds. So as my last pumpkin delight, my roommate made for us four, yes, four different flavors of pumpkin seeds and I don't know if we will ever be able to finish them! So if you have a hankering for some, you will know where to find them! Have a nifty November everyone!

 

Signing Off,

Joy Jasmine Ellis

The Lowly Office Aid

Mr. Pumpkin says,

"The reason I don't come out until Autumn is because I have to spend the rest of the year getting ready so I can look good for the ladies...There's a reason why everything I'm in is delicious..."

July 2011 Newsletter

June 2011 Newsletter

June 2011 Newsletter click for pdf copy

June 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s June! Well, at least it will be by the time you get this. Right now, it’s a gorgeous May evening and I have the front door and window open to enjoy the cool breeze and I am that sure June has many beautiful days like this in store for us here in So Cal. I have to enjoy these cool nights while I can because pretty soon I will be off to Haiti where the days are super hot and the nights are slightly less hot. I’m definitely spoiled to be from Southern California. My roommate hails from the Kansas side of Kansas City, and she reported to me the other day that a tornado had touched down blocks from her home and church. Luckily, her family and house are completely safe and it only did minimal damage where it hit. She was telling me that even though the tornadoes and the sirens that precede them are totally eerie, she is used to them and that the thought of an earthquake is totally scary to her. Obviously, I feel completely the opposite! I will take my So Cal earthquakes any day over a Kansas tornado. Those things freak me out. They weren’t messing around in The Wizard of Oz, those tornadoes are legit and not to be disrespected! I’m just glad that real tornadoes aren’t actually accompanied by the Wicked Witch and those awful Flying Monkeys. They freak me out even more than tornadoes and I already told you how I feel about those.

On another topic completely, I just wanted to take the time out to honor my computer that I have been typing these letters on for the last four and half years---yes, I did write four and a half years---can you believe that I have been sending you these things for so long? I’m surprised that I haven’t received any hate mail yet! You all are far too kind. But anyways, this will be the last letter that will be written on my dear old Compaq Presario. It wasn’t a glamorous or a pretty or a slim or a light computer. It didn’t have flashy decals or a shiny apple on it, but it was a loyal computer and traveled with me for many years and wrote many letters, emails, and papers for me. It kept my files organized and my pictures archived. You could never call it lazy. It kept my lap warm and my desk looking good. It’s been good to me, but now I have to admit, unfortunately, that my dear computer is on its death bed. I have typed it to death. The poor thing is so weak and frail—it’s akin to both a badly arthritic grandmother and a brand new baby that can’t yet support its own head. I walk around cradling it like an infant and whenever I open or close it, every bone in its little technology filled body cracks painfully in my ears. So, therefore, it is time to put it out of its misery. I will always think fondly of the Presario, who was my first computer and treated me well so many years, but now we must part ways and I just had to give it a proper goodbye. I hope it rests in peace. Now, I can’t promise that since I am getting a much better, new computer that the forthcoming newsletters will be better as well, but at least, hopefully, they won’t be worse! However, just to forewarn you all, it probably won’t be until August that you get another letter from yours truly. For you see, next month I will depart from Los Angeles to journey to Haiti for the third time. So while I am spending my last days in June on that hot, humid island that I love I will leave my duties in the very capable hands of the mother of the Lowly Office Aid. She doesn’t exactly know that she is doing this yet, but I will let her know soon.

While on the topic of Haiti, I am reminded, of course, that I need to at least mention Father’s Day. I already know what you are thinking, what do Haiti and Father’s Day have in common? Well, I’ll tell you…not much really. Their only connection is that, unfortunately, I will be there on Father’s Day and therefore very far from my father, so I will take some time now to acknowledge the wonderful “Papa Ellis” as one friend refers to him. He may be just your realtor, property manager, or friend, but I get the special privilege of being his daughter. I am proud to call him my dad and am very glad that he didn’t banish this Lowly Office Aid many years ago for filing his papers in the wrong direction (I honestly didn’t know there was a right direction at the time) and for probably many other lowly infractions. All the while working hard in his job for all his clients and residents, he’s always working hard as a dad too. So with this letter about to be done, I just want to thank my dad for always being there for me, always on my side. On that note, I send a shout out to all the dads this month. All of you are awesome! Make sure to give all of your papas some love this month!

 

Signing Off,

Joy Jasmine Ellis  

The Lowly Office Aid

 Mr. Computer says,

“My deepest sympathies go out to you on the loss of your dear laptop Mr. Presario. I’m sure he was a very dear and very hardworking guy. May your next one be just as good as he was.”

LS Real Estate May Newsletter

May Newsletter

From the Desk of the Lowly Office Aid

May 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

                             

It’s hard for me to believe, but this is already my fifth newsletter of the year. Before I know it, I’ll already be on my twelfth and wondering what the heck I was doing when I was not writing these oh-so sought after pages. All I can say is so long April, it was nice knowing you, and hello May! I’m sure that just when I start to like you, you’ll be running off just like all the other months before you. I guess we will all just have to enjoy her while she lasts. She does have many lovely qualities if you all didn’t know—there are her famous flowers, of course, (and let me say, I am a fan) as well as Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, as well as both my father’s and brother’s birthdays along with several of my friends’ birthdays.

            I knew spring was famous for its baby animals and all, but apparently it’s also just famous for babies because in the last two months I know of at least twelve friends and family members celebrating the day that they arrived into this world. I’m at the point where I think I may just stop buying groceries just so I can get everyone presents. Or, I can just buy groceries as usual and give them as gifts to my friends. I don’t know though, on second thought, I think they would much rather receive a gift card than a gallon of milk. We shall see what kind of mood I am in when the time comes.

So while on the topic of special occasions, I guess I will bring up the one most recently celebrated by most of us—Easter. I hope all of you had a lovely day enjoying time with friends and family and eating lots of Cadbury eggs for me. At the Ellis Household, we may have perhaps had the oddest Easter on record. We didn’t go to church, we didn’t have anybody over, we didn’t have an Easter egg hunt, and we didn’t even eat around the table together. Of course, all of this happened (or rather, didn’t happen) for good reason. It somehow turned out that come Sunday morning, three of the four members of the Ellis family ended up sick. Only Mom was spared, and ironically enough, she was the one doing all the work preparing for the day, which I am sure she would not have done if she’d known that she would be preparing for only three sick people. She knew I was sick because I had come home from L.A. with a cold given to me oh so kindly by the kiddos at work, but then Dad woke up not feeling good and Jonathan came home with a virus as his only Easter gift. If it’s any testament to how sick I was feeling that day, let’s just say that my favorite part of the Easter basket I got was a pack of travel size Kleenex that my mom got for me. There were even chocolate eggs right beside it, and I love chocolate eggs, but all I did was ogle the new tissues that I knew I would use up any day now. Yeah, it was that bad. That being said, the couch that day was both our church pew, our place at the dinner table, and our front row seats at the movie theater. Who knew a couch could serve so many purposes? All I know is that in between eating the food that mom had cooked for the family that was no longer coming since our house had become a giant virus-filled petri dish, I was like a lazy kid the weekend before finals. That is to say, I was spending way too much time on Yahoo games. That was great for a weekend and all, but yeah, I think it’s definitely time to get back to work.

Anyways, I hope your holiday was much healthier, at least, than ours. Fortunately for all of you my dear readers, I am still well enough to write this letter. Just know that it would take much more than a cold to keep me from my correspondence with all of you. However, since I rambled so much about our very interesting Easter, it looks like my page has about run its course. I wish all the mothers out there a wonderful day on Sunday the eighth. And to all the kids out there, no matter how much your mother tells you she doesn’t want anything, get her something anyways, at least a card—because, let me tell you, I forgot one of those one year, and I will never make that mistake again—so let that be a warning to you! Enjoy May while it lasts everyone!

Signing Off,

Joy Jasmine Ellis
The Lowly Office Aid

Mr. Easter Bunny says,

“The Ellis Family should be lucky I even stopped by their house this year. I cannot risk getting a cold again this month. Those baby chicks are always getting me sick!”