Category Archives: Around Florida

Garage Sales in the South

Posted on by
9

Having been to several now here in Florida, I thought it was time to give my two cents on the experience since it is VERY different then up North. Enjoy!

If you have been following the blog since last year, you may recall the “Epic Garage Sale” in which we sold almost everything we owned. If you missed it, you can click HERE to read it.  It took me a good three weeks to prepare what I had accumulated over 37 years of my life, Hubby’s, and then of course the kids stuff. I planned out every section, made signs, drew diagrams, had a crew of people to help us, priced everything, and even made Mickey cupcakes (because my other treats didn’t work.)

That being said, maybe my sale wasn’t like many I have seen, but many parts them were. I have been to thousands of sales in WI, and I would say 90% of those had clearly marked signs, items priced, clean areas, and overall pleasant to shop at.

Here, again from the areas I have experienced ONLY, most of the sales confuse me. I feel like people here wake up the day of the sale and say “Hey, let’s put all of our junk on the lawn and see who will pay for it- oh, and pay A LOT for it.”  Having just been to my OWN neighborhood sale this past weekend, I walked away shaking my head. Again, these are my own personal observations of what I have seen this past weekend in my area, and have others I have seen over the past year in nearby areas.

First, let’s go with the presentation of them. Many didn’t even bother with tables at all, but put the majority on the ground. If you need to do that, I get it, many don’t have plastic tables sitting around. But here is a tip- USE A BLANKET. Put it on maybe a plastic bin, or even a chaise lounge you aren’t selling. Anything is better than throwing it on the lawn, especially when here in FL we have fire ants and large spiders that no buyer wants to see while looking at your items for sale.

Second, take the extra step and MARK your prices on the items. I don’t care how you do it, but MANY people are not comfortable having to “wheel and deal.”  If you aren’t willing to price, then don’t be surprised when people offer way lower than what you were hoping for. I respect more sellers for taking this step, along with willing to pay them their listed price.  It was frustrating for me to have to ask what things were priced, that eventually I didn’t even bother and they lost a potential sale.

Third, let’s keep it real people. If you bought your teapot for $20, 5 years ago, it’s now worth about $5 or less… and that’s if it’s not chipped, stained, and in working condition. I try not to laugh when I ask those who don’t price “How much do you want for this?” And they come back with something so ridiculous I almost want to tell them how much I feel for them because they will never get that amount for it. Then again, maybe with all the tourists down here, they will find someone gullible enough to pay that.  Whether you price it to sell, or price it because you really need the money, keeping it reasonable with some wiggle room for those to deal you down, keeps you and your buyers happy. If you have traffic and no ones buying, your items are priced too high.

Fourth, clothes don’t sell very well unless they are baby/children’s clothes. Thankfully down here they don’t seem to sell a lot of any size clothing.  In WI I would see tables and tables of clothes, but here, maybe three hangers full and that was it. Maybe because up north we have every season of clothing we have more to sell? Not sure why on this one.

Fifth, the AWESOME part of the sales here are that one out of three sales will have something Disney. I have seen Mickey phones, clocks, toys, pins, buttons, etc… a Disney fan’s paradise.

Lastly, the sales here in FL anyways should be labeled “yard sales” because everyone’s garage was packed full of storage items. Again, because we don’t have basements here, the garages are primarily used for that. I did get to see a cool Disney home that had Mickey everything outside, but the inside of her house was CRAZY cool. All Disney fans would have dropped to their knees at what I witnessed…art, sculptures, anything and everything from the Parks and the Disney Store. Needless to say I gave her my name and number because she is selling some of her Disney items this November and I offered to help or even buy them myself.

You really don’t know what you will find at any sale around the Country, it’s one big treasure hunt. I feel though that if you take a little bit of effort on having your own, the profits will go a long way. If you know of a sale, or neighborhood sale, in your area in central FL, please let me know. Like I said, I am still getting my feet wet on the area around here, and I feel we always can help each other on the heads up on things. See you at the sales!

Serving Jury Duty in Central Florida

Posted on by
6

A tale of two days, I will tell you about what to expect when you receive a jury summons in the great State of Florida. Sit back, grab your favorite beverage, turn the a/c up, and let’s begin!

Let’s start with the fact that I have only lived here 11 months, AND I have not registered to vote yet, which leads me to believe that they get the information from the Department of Motor Vehicles.  At first, I was annoyed I got one. Honestly, I am just getting down how to get to and from the things I need weekly, but now I have to find the courthouse in Kissimmee? Oh bliss.

But, after some time had passed, I got excited. Everything new in FL is an experience, and I love being able to share them with you, so hey, how bad could it be? Maybe I would learn something, meet new people, and who is to say I would even get picked. So, with great attitude in check, I pressed forward this past Thursday and arrived on time and ready to serve.

The summons will tell you that you need to call after 5 p.m. the evening before the day you are to appear.  If you number is read off, you must show, and if not, you don’t have too. I am unsure of what happens after your number is NOT called, I assume they put you back in the pool of people to be summoned again.  My number was on the list read, and promptly filled out the card on my summons so that I was prepared to hand it in upon arrival the next day. The note card is some basic info about yourself, simple and easy to fill out.

Once you get to the Courthouse, which I served at the Osceola County Courthouse in downtown Kissimmee, FL, you have to go through security.  On the message you hear the night before, they tell you what you cannot bring into the courthouse. Like going through any security, no glass, no firearms, no lighters. Etc…  I had to take off my shoes, place my cell phone out of my purse and in the basket alone, then my purse alone.  It went off every time I went through it , so they used the hand scanner to check me- I was always fine.  The gal in front of me had a glass perfume jar in her purse and they made her throw it away to take it back to her car- she chucked it.

If you are wondering about something you would like to bring in, call and ask first or don’t bother bringing it at all.  I can tell you that as potential jury member, I was told I could bring in my laptop, Ipad, IPhone, IPod, or any electronic device.  Now, you can use these only in the jury waiting room, but they are NOT allowed in the court room. We were instructed that if a cell phone goes off, for any reason, the judge will take it from you. We made sure SEVERAL times that all of our cell phones were indeed turned off.

Once I was through security, I headed left to the jury selection room.  I checked in, handed my summons in, and they give you a badge to wear with your jury member number. The time on the summons said 8 a.m. so I was promptly sitting in the large room at around 7:50. They basically just pointed and told me to wait in this huge room.  I referred to it as the “holding cell.” Eventually it filled with everyone else, and what made it so uncomfortable was the sheer silence. They had tvs playing over head, but no volume. I saw computers in the corner, but if you are new to this room, how the heck would I know what they are for? So I cracked open my “Hunger Games” book, sat, and waited.

It would be another hour and a half later that anyone would even clue us in on what was going to happen. You have to understand, I have served before, in WI. We were ushered right to a court room, questioned, picked, and then stayed or went home. This “holding cell” was a whole new ball game to me.

Around 9:30 we were informed that as the day progressed, we would be called, or not, and then taken to a court room where they would decide if we were jury material or not. She explained the computers were for us to use, along with the vending machines, bathrooms, games in the back of the room, and even a fridge to put our own lunches in.  They even told us that you can have food delivered to the court house… of course I pictured getting a pizza delivery while in the actual court room and how amusing that would be. “Excuse m judge, I just need to tip my pizza guy.”

The clock was coming up to 10:45 now, and the peanut M&Ms weren’t holding me over. As I was contemplating something else to settle my stomach, they said they needed a jury. Twenty-five numbers were called, and as I heard my number, I was more excited to stand and do ANYTHING else than sit in the quiet room any longer.

The line of our group was escorted upstairs then held until the court was ready for us. We filed in, with assigned seating, and began getting questioned by the state first.  She came to me and said “Mrs. Petermann, it says here you are a blogger… might I ask what you blog about?” So I told her, which got me oohs and aahs from those around me. She said “I never met a blogger, that’s really cool.” (Of course I was thinking ‘NEVER?’”

Noon came and they dismissed us to lunch. Since I hadn’t brought one, I headed down the street in search of anything- I was starving.  Several of us walked the same way, starting talking, and I had lunch with three other very nice ladies.  It was a bit unnerving though, because we ate outside at this Café, helicopters were over head, circling several times. Apparently one of the buildings near the area had to be evacuated because of a bomb threat… lovely.  I just smiled at it all, I swear to you sometimes it feels like this stuff only happens to me.

After 1:30 the Defense got to question us, and by 3:00 they had made their decision.  I was the 4th name called, and my new friend was called right after me. What were the odds? Apparently 1 in 3.  I was excited, I was actually going to hear a case and get to be an important part of it.  The 7 of us were sworn in, and it was a done deal. I was an official jury member in the state of FL- who knew this would happen in my first year? Crazy!

As any case you have been a part of or seen on TV, both councils give their opening statements. As we got into the witnesses, I kid you not, one of our jury members was SNORING!!! Yes, he fell ASLEEP! Now, the Baliff got my attention, and I nudged my neighbor, who nudged the snorer. I am sure he was tired, but good grief, I am SURE you can get in tons of trouble for not paying attention.

We ended day 1 around 5:00 p.m., just in time for a rush hour, and were instructed to come back for day 2 at 1:00 p.m.  We all assumed it would be starting back up right away in the morning, so it took us all by surprise.  But, all awake this time, we were there at 1:00 waiting for the baliff to take us back to the jury room once again.  Each time we were escorted into the Court room, I felt like royalty- all the “rise for the jury” was a bit enjoyable for me. The first time we all kept standing when we got in, and the judge said “No, the standing is for you, please sit.” The statement made me think of the end of the Lord of the Rings movie where the King says to the Hobbits “You bow for no one.”

The Defense rested, closing statements came and went, and it was time for us to sink our teeth into the case. We could FINALLY talk about it.. I never realized how hard that is until now. The jury room overlooked Lake Tahoe, it was an incredible view.  It’s a funny thing to be in this quiet room, with six other strangers, have nothing in common but the ONE thing you have in common you are not allowed to talk about until the very end.  Just odd.  We went back and forth and came to a decision we all felt very comfortable with. I was almost foreman, but I felt another gal would be better. She had to sign and bring the verdict to the court, but she did not have to read it.

As the Clerk read the verdict, it was like being a part of a movie again. The quiet, the tension, the eye glances of the attorneys towards us- it was surreal.  Then came the most awkward part of the entire experience… the hallway. They let us out from behind the court room, and the attorneys, witnesses, and defendant out the other side.. and we all met to wait for the elevators.  One attorney loves us, one hates us, and we all stood there waiting.  Eventually one would grab an elevator, then the other, then us.

Seven strangers, and actually on was excused before deliberation because they only needed six. So indeed, six strangers had to decide someone’s fate, and we left shaking each other’s hands, and even a few hugs. I was blessed to have met and worked next to all of them, even Sleepy.

I am able to discuss, but I am choosing to leave that part out. Why? Well, for one, it’s my choice to tell. Two, no matter why and how I chose my decision, it could lead to unnecessary debate that I am not comfortable with. Three, we all have our reasons for things in life, and the way our jury came to the decision I feel I will leave private, for my sake, and for fellow members. I will say this, I felt wonderful about my decision and that we deliberated fairly, accurately, and with the utmost common sense.

The point of today’s blog was to let you in on how it all works. I encourage all of you that if you are chosen, take it with the utmost respect and integrity because you are ultimately choosing the course that someone’s life is about to take. It could be freedom, it could be incarceration, it could be anything- but I took it with the most seriousness that I could because I thought to myself more than once how scary it would be that 6 strangers would be deciding my fate.

I am thankful for the experience and honestly, I wouldn’t mind being chosen again.

Safety in Numbers

Posted on by
14

We all need to feel safe, and when relocating to a new place,  and it seems that that is one of the first things we tend to feel we are missing right out of the gate.  You may have moved into the safest city, or the safest neighborhood, but the reality is that being anywhere new brings a wall of insecurity around the strongest of men. So today I thought that I would tell you how “safe” I have felt living here in the Orlando area so far, and to give you an idea of how you may have to deal with it- enjoy.

#1- Kissimmee, Reunion, Champions Gate oh my

I have to preface this by saying that we do not live IN the city of Kissimmee, but it is indeed our home address city. We live almost in the “country,” since we live between Reunion and Champions Gate, we aren’t really near anything we can walk too or even bike too. With that being said, the city area we encounter the most would have to be the 192 area and Reunion/Champion’s Gate.  Let’s start with Reunion and Champion’s Gate- I feel safe going to either of these areas.  I bank, get my gas, redbox, run for small groceries, and the occasional McD’s run to between both cities.  The drive to either is well lit, although the construction on the main road right now is a bit of a pain- it’s almost done!

I have spent significant time at a lot of the above establishments and I have never felt nervous or concerned with the company that comes in and out while I am there.  Sometimes you can be in a place and you can just “feel” the vibe of the place and know it doesn’t feel right or safe. The only place I get uneasy with is ANY Redbox when I am by myself. I have to make sure to have my CC ready and out while I am picking my movies so that I am not distracted trying to dig into my purse, which is a perfect opportunity for someone to rob me or grab me, so heads up on anyone who uses a Redbox-especially in dark places and later at night.

We have been told what cities to stay clear from, such as “Pine Hills,” “Metro West” and “Intercession City.” You couldn’t catch me near downtown Orlando at night, and in fact, I am pretty careful where I am at any time after the sun goes down.  Until you REALLY know where you are going and how the area is, you should NEVER be there after dark. 

#2- Our Neighborhood

I have felt safe in my own home, as we have never had anything to suggest otherwise. We had a sketchy character walking around our area months ago and has never been back because we watched what he was doing- anyone up to no good doesn’t want you talking to them. We made sure he knew, WE knew, he was there. 

We have had a break-in next door with some kids having a party in a foreclosed home- nothing shocking in FL since many of the homes here sit for YEARS empty. Its not ok, but it didn’t make me nervous, just AWARE.

We have recently in the Orlando area had several cars vandalized in their own drive-ways. My advice is that if you have a garage, use it for your vehicles. I do realize that because there are no basements here, many use their garages for storage. Driveways are an obvious choice for cars in Fl because of the warm weather, but it makes me feel much better to park my car in my garage every day. (Plus it holds us accountable to keep our garage clean and organized.)

Craig and I walk a lot, and you will see many walkers and runners in our neighborhood pretty much any day of the week.  We were walking after dinner for awhile, but when it was getting darker earlier, it wasn’t becoming safe because of drivers plus others walking past us in the dark.

We made sure to know our neighbors and have some of their contacts so that we always have someone to go to if something occurs in our suburb. It’s key to KNOW who your neighbors are because you have no clue who they really are, and whether they are a help or threat, you need to know.  Libby mentioned to me she used spotcrime.com where you can find out what crimes are in your potential neighborhood or in your existing one.

#3 Florida

Driving to Sarasota and Tampa this past year, I felt safe driving around them.  I believe, like everything, that once you visit it or experience it enough times, you get to know how safe a place truly is. While living in WI, I always felt safe in my city and neighborhood. But driving through Milwaukee, I was always “on edge.”  Time will tell how we feel overall about Florida.

#4 Disney World

Maybe I am just an overprotective parent, but I have seen enough in the Parks to know what I would never allow my children to do on their own for fear of their own safety.

One, when my kids were little, they were never allowed to go to the bathroom alone at the Parks. The restrooms are usually VERY busy and little ones can easily get lost and confused in there. Most are busy with their own kids to notice if something isn’t right with another- I always just took them both so that I always knew where and how they were.

Two, I never let the kids use the elevator by themselves at the Resorts. Yes, there have been reports about kids and situations that happened in the elevators- taking the extra step will give you peace of mind while on vacation.  I know, I can hear you all saying “Chill out, people are too uptight.” Well, this isn’t our grandparents generation, and we all need to wake up and take the extra steps to make sure our children are KEPT safe.

Three, when the girls were little, I always had a hand in mine. Crowds can get scary, especially for their view of them- its just a non-stop sea of legs.  So why do parents think that’s an ok time to let their 3 year old roam without anyone near them? I’m not going to debate the kid leash, only because I am happy that they are trying to at least keep an eye on them, but please keep your kids CLOSE to you when walking through the Parks.

I could go on and on forever on this, but those were my three main points. If you have a safety tip for the Parks you would like to share, please feel free to leave it in the comments section. 

#5 Day to Day Safety Tips That I Use Myself

Maybe I just watched way to much Dateline as a child and young adult, but I am always very AWARE of my surroundings. Here are a few tips that I use here in FL, and can be used in other places as well. I realize these may be obvious, but you may have moved from a small town or city where you could leave your door open all day and never flinch at it- the Orlando area is a whole ‘nother ball game.

                *My keys are out and ready before I step out of any store- to many people fumbling about in their purses which is a perfect time for a criminal to attack you.

                *Staying off my cell phone to and from my car- again- looking down all the time makes you a PRIME target to mess with.

                *Locking your car and house every time you are home or leaving home.

                *Be aware of who is coming in and out of your new neighborhood.

                *When coming up to Toll Booths, if someone is stopped in front of you and it is after dark, go in a different lane and let Sun Pass know why you couldn’t pay the toll or had to pay it differently. I have heard of a car “looking” stuck in the lane, then you come up behind them, and then one of their buddies boxes you in and you are in a horrible, and unmovable, situation.

                *People flagging you down for help or directions is always a case by case basis, but before pulling over, you may want to call a loved one to let them know of your location and what you are about to do in case something happens. If you are uncomfortable helping, call 911 or the Police and let them know that someone is in need of help.

As relocators, we can all come off as gullible because we are brand new to all of this. Use what you know of your old life, follow the same safety guidelines, and you will eventually learn as you go in your new city. I hope this can help any of you live a safer life, whether it be in FL or in your own hometown.