Cherimie Crane, www.Marine1Realty.com

They are strong. Their stamina borders the unnatural. Their squared off jaw, broad shoulders, and fierce stare streamlines into uniform perfection, even at 2:45 in the morning. They are US Marine Drill Instructors, AKA HATS.

With a raspy voice and unwavering determination they make Marines. Intimidating?? Hell yes, at first anyway.

Over the past few years, I have worked so closely with this rare breed. Oh the stories I could tell (and plan on doing so) about my time with this lively bunch.

Many of them have bought and sold homes from me during their time on the drill field. I have been fortunate enough to have known many from the day they graduated until the day they finished their tour.

For some of them, I was the only person they knew. Working 150 hours a week doesn't leave much time for making new friends.

I have tremendous respect for these selfless marvels. They are nothing short of amazing; however, they are human.

Several of them have fallen asleep in my car, a few have fallen asleep inside homes we were viewing.

They have called me in the middle of the night (time has no meaning) asking me to make an emergency Liquid Starch run.

Now, that took a bit of explaining, but I did it just the same. I can navigate Parris Island (once so foreign to me) with my eyes closed!

I cook for them and when there is no time for cooking, the young lady at McDonald's knows me by name.

"Ms. Cherimie are you getting cheeseburgers for the Hats again?".

Yes, Melody...load me up.

Often they don't get to go home during their first cycle. Some of them try desperately to maintain relationships with the outside world. Girlfriends and family in different states, no easy feat.

I am also their emergency cell phone charger supply person. Somehow these fiercly focused gentlemen can't keep up with a charger to save their life.

I am their link to the outside world. After three years, I speak Drill Instructornese. Who saw that one coming??? Not me.

They began as my clients, they morphed into my friends, and now they are forever my heroes. We are the quintessential odd couple.

Just another day at the office:).

Greetings from the life of the living. No, I have not been kidnapped by aliens nor have I moved to New Zealand, or been terminally trapped in a bathroom stall. I regretfully realize it has been quite some time since my last post. Now that I am finished flogging myself with the heavy hand of guilt, let me explain.

I have been a wee bit busy. Is that an excuse? Not really, but it sure does help keep a positive outlook. Each day I try to find new ways to ease the minds of my sellers, educate my buyers, and maintain the granule of sanity that Realtors hold on to so fiercely.

Marine 1 Realty is enjoying tremendous support from our Military community. Not one day goes by that I am not simply humbled by the reaction I get when they walk in to my office. I had no idea my "family" was quite so big.

And then there is the YADA YADA.

Life has a way of waking you up when you find yourself cruising by on a day dream. Over the past three weeks I have had a health scare that for all practical purposes made me appreciate each day and those who share those days with me.

It is during those times that true colors are so brightly displayed. My life has changed, but in ways that were necessary.

IF it doesnt' kill you.........right?

I am back, better and stronger than ever! As a matter of fact, my ramblings, opinions, and day to day blogging will, in less than a year, be in a book. Unless of course, life has other plans.

Happy Monday my friends!

Some remodeling projects will add to the value your home, but some won't. For example, on kitchen remodeling projects and bathroom additions you can get back up to 90 percent or more of the cost.

However, finishing a basement usually pays back less than 50 percent of the money you've invested.

Home Advisor at MSN.com has a chart of costs and average paybacks for typical home improvement projects. For example, adding a new heating or air conditioning system can cost between $2,000 to $4,500 with an average payback of 100% for heating; 75% for air conditioning.

Whereas building a pool can cost $10,000 and up with an average payback of 44%. Not too mention costly upkeep!

The local real estate market and current property values are what determine if your remodeling project will increase the value of your home. If the market is slow, you'll see less of a payback than you would in a fast market. Also, if you remodel your house until it's twice as big as the other homes on the block, it won't necessarily double in value.

The price of home improvements fluctuates depending on economic conditions. If remodeling costs are particularly high, or home sale prices particularly low, you may not recover as much of your investment as you would if costs were proportionate with sales prices.

Remember, painting can be a wonderful upgrade and often gives new life to your home at minimal cost.

Below are some web sites you might find useful if you are thinking about making home improvements:

· Improve Net gives design ideas and helps you plan your project.

· Michigan State University Extension offers an online encyclopedia of topics related to home maintenance.

· The Federal Trade Commission has warnings and advice on how to find a contractor.

· The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers tips on obtaining financing.

You can call me any time, to talk about which projects will pay off best when you decide to sell your Beaufort home.

Marine 1 Realtors are available to help you, call or email us today.

You loved me even before you knew I was cute. You were the only one who would and could listen to me ramble, on for hours about absolutely nothing while somehow appearing interested.

Those beautiful little dresses that you made each Easter never quite looked the same once I found my tree climbing talent, but you made them anyway.

My tears poured at the reality that not everyone liked me, you assured me it was their loss. I was told I was weird, you made weird cool. When everyone laughed at the thought of me, the clumsy, awkward tomboy, trying out for cheerleader; you braided my hair while telling me there was nothing I couldn't do, Thanks Mom.

Mamaw Crane:

I watched you build your own home, with your hands. Never underestimate the effect that had on me at such an early age. I ran through the field to sit on your porch to tell you how unfair my parents could be, you listened and often agreed. Thanks Mamaw Crane. My stubborn independent streak was often blamed on you, you accepted with pride. Thank you for giving me the right to be me, at all times.

Mamaw Watts:

There is no one alive that can cure a broken heart with grits, other than you. Each time my little world was crushed, you rebuilt it with tender hands, remarkable recipes, and unconditional love only you could give. As a teenager, I was lost, confused, and many times out of place, except in your presence. Your strength of heart is forever a part of me, Thanks Mamaw Watts.

I am now a capable, strong, independent...still slightly awkward woman who knows how to care, how to love, and how to build a house. It is all because of you.

Happy Mother's Day.