Tami Vroma-Realtor Grand Rapids Rapids Homes for Sale

For those of us who are dedicated bloggers, we sit at the keyboard for hours. By the time we’re done with our post, our hands are aching and our fingers are tingling. Don’t you wish you could rub a magic lantern and ask the genie to make it so you could speak the words, and have them appear on the page? But that’s only for fairy tales and fairy tales aren’t real . . .are they????

Did you know that almost everybody has speech recognition on their computer? Right now, I am speaking these words instead of typing them. My hand does not hurt—in fact, it isn’t even touching a keyboard. I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “how much does this cost, because in this economy I can’t afford anything”. Want to know how much it cost? It costs nothing. Yes, you heard me right--- that’s $0.00, nadda, zilch!!

First ask yourself if you have Windows XP or Windows Vista. If you have either one of these, voice recognition software is included. All you have to do is set it up. You will need a microphone, but the one I’m using right now, is just my web cam microphone. It is by no means perfect, but for the most part, I would say it’s probably 90% accurate. The more you use the voice recognition software, the more accurate it is.

The best thing about it, is that it’s easy to install. First make sure all of your updates are done on your computer. The rest I will show you how to do in this video below.

Note: If you have problems, see the bottom of this post--after the video.

To train the microphone, just click on tools on the language bar that should be on your screen somewhere. You can move the language bar by moving the pointer to the left side and dragging it

If you are having problems with the language bar being greyed out when you go to Regional Language Options in the Control panel, you can call CCS Computers and they will help you for a small fee. Unfortunately, most computer geeks can not figure it out. Before you call, make SURE you have done all your Windows updates as that will sometimes solve it.

CCS Technologies in Coopersville Michigan is 616-997-8808 Ask for Karen If you ever need reasonable computer repair, they are the cats meow!!

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If you are looking for homes in West Michigan or Greater Grand Rapids - Please go to www.LiveInWestMi.com to set up your own home search

Is it a Roundabouts or a Silly Circle?

You know that moment. . . . you look down a road well traveled, a road you use all the time, and there it is . . . . road closed, construction ahead! You bite your lip and take a deep breath and think, OK, I have to figure out a way around this . . . . I wonder how long the road will be closed . . . . .I wonder what they are doing . . . . .is it really closed or can sneak through all the heavy equipment?!!? Hopefully my car won't bottom out too bad!!

That was my thought last year. We live in between two small towns. One is Allendale, MI (home of GVSU) and the other is Coopersville, MI. Coopersville is even smaller than Allendale. Coopersville is where I grew up, where I went to high school, where I had my first job, where I got fired from my first job (only job ever fired from I might add), where I drove my first car,where I smashed up my first car and where I met my first love (and married him). It is a small little town with very little traffic. When I saw the entire intersection ripped up, I wondered what in the heck they were doing--a small little town certainly doesn't need a big intersection like that.

What I found out was that they were building something called a roundabout. Roundabout!!!! What the heck is that?!?!?? I found out it is an intersection where everyone drives around in a circle to get through to where they want to go. Does this sound absolutely ludircous to anyone but me?!! Now I will concede, this is a busy intersection because it is the main ramp that everyone from Hudsonville, Jenison, Standale and many other communities use to get on a major expressway. In the summer, there are a million campers that go through there to head up north to to their camping destination. But come on!!! I know that in the summer campers can be lined up for a couple miles but it still seemed a little unnecessary. I also learned that Coopersville was one of the first communities in West Michigan to put one in . . . . .great!!! The guinea pig town.

My second thought was, I drive a big flippin rig!! It is a big Chevy Duramax diesel and we pull a 32 foot living quarters goose neck horse trailer!! I'll never make it through there I thought. I am paranoid enough when I have to drive that rig, now they are going to make an obstacle course for me!! To make matters worse, the vet is just on the other side--as in you can see it from the intersection . . .but it's on the other side . . .I have to go through it. This roundabout was the talk of the town and before it was done it had a nickname . . .The Silly Circle.

The day came and the Silly Circle was completed. I got myself a cup of coffee at the java joint on the corner where the "Silly Circle" was newly opened. It was absolutely comical--no one had a clue on what they were suppose to do. In the two hours I sat there, we logged 15 near misses and one fender bender. We all sat there talking about who the chump was that thought up this great plan.

Now here we are, almost a year later, and I have to tell you that . . . .jeez I hate to even admit it . . . .I love the Silly Circle!!! You never have to wait for a stop light, it is never backed up anymore and it is really fast to get through . . . .even with a 40 some odd foot rig. There are two lanes and the big rigs take up both, but it is really easy to navigate. I have actually driven the rig through and not hit a curb (she says proudly to her husband who was sure SHE would be the first one to dent the rig). Once you get used to it, it isn't that bad. First rule, ALWAYS yield to those already in the Silly Circle. Second rule, stay in the outside lane unless you're taking both lanes. There is one thing I haven't figured out--if your on the inside circle and your are going to leave it, how can you go straight and not hit someone who is in the outside lane continuing around the circle?

Anyway, moral of the story is that sometimes you may think people are crazy for doing something that seems, shall we say, out there. But in the end, they are probably just the adventurous ones daring enough to do something new. And to the people sitting on the board at the Coopersville Chamber . . . . . I'm sorry I called you chumps!!

round about sign picture courtesy of FreeFoto.com

Where do you want to live is probably the wrong question. It should be more, how do you want to live? What is it about living in the country that draws so many people? Why do some gravitate to the city? As a realtor in the West Michigan area, I find people and their living habits fascinating. As a person describes what they are looking for in a home, you start to think of the scene in your mind. What makes someone choose living outside of the city as opposed to living inside the city? What is the definition of country to you and what is the city? What is even more interesting is the fact that most people are very definitive about the type they are. “I am definitely a country bumpkin”, or “I love the city!”

A look at the City Dwellers

What quantifies as city to most people? As I look at West Michigan, Grand Rapids is definitely the main metro area. When you look at a map, there are several cities that make up greater Grand Rapids in Michigan—Forest Hills, Wyoming, Walker, Grandville, Jenison, Kentwood, etc. Then there are also the smaller metro areas of Holland and Grand Haven that are separated from Grand Rapids yet still small cities. These are the geographic characteristics of West Michigan, but is there something else that contributes to a feeling of city or country?

In my minds eye, the definition of city is any continuous blocks of activities made up of homes and businesses. Another great interpretation would be any where there is a lot of sidewalk and concrete . . . hence the concrete jungle? Mowing the lawn is easy, because the lots are small. How about any place there is more than one high rise building and lots of light and noise? The city is all about the non-stop barrage of information, crowds and traffic. If you can ride a city bus, you are most likely in the city. Many people say they love the hustle and bustle of the city. They never feel alone because homes are very close by and grouped together with the businesses they need. Yet in the city, you can meld in and become a face in the crowd. Does the city give a sense of security in some ways and sense of anonymity in others?

A Look at the Country Bumpkins

In what way is the country different? Geographically, when I think of West Michigan the towns of Allendale, Coopersville, Ada, Caledonia, Zeeland, Byron Center, and Sparta come to mind. These areas surround Grand Rapids to the North, East, South and West, yet most are within 30 minutes of Grand Rapids. Most have their sub-divisions but for the most part, they still hold the small town feel. But what is the essence of these places called the country?

When asked about the definition of country, these small town areas give you a different feeling. Could it be the opportunity to unwind on the drive home through open country with no bumper-to-bumper traffic? Do the horses grazing lazily in the fields give you a sense of calmness? Out in the country, where it gets truly dark, the stars can be seen so clearly. Does the definition include large areas of expansive trees, woods and golden wheat fields swaying in the wind? Unlike the city, it is harder to just meld in—you run into people you know regularly and you don’t have any problem going into your neighbor’s shed to borrow a garden tool. The people in the country seem to know that, yes, occasionally you will loose your electric because all the lines are no longer underground. But they are willing to put up the small, occasional inconvenience to be able to ride their snowmobiles and quads in the vast expanse of land around them.

To me the city and the country are more feelings and ways of life than geographical positions. It is the feelings they create. Many of us adapt to what works at the time, but down deep . . . . .do you consider yourself a city dweller or a country bumpkin?

Barn Picture courtesy of my freind Judy Revell

Gina VanLaar 5K run in Allendale, MI I am so excited! My son is entering his first 5K race! He has gotten involved with The Allendale Cross Country Team. I love to see him getting involved and choosing to try. It's hard to express what we have been through with him! Let's just say bi-polar is something that is difficult to deal with!

If you want more information, you can go to Classic Race Mangement for the printable entry form.

Here are the Details

Where: Allendale High School 10760 68th

When: July 4, 2008 8:00 AM

Cost: $25 - Proceeds to Allendale Cross Country

LOTS of DOOR PRIZES GIVEN AWAY!!

I'll let you all know the results!

Memorial Day my husband and I, our two teenagers, and my daughter's boyfriend went for a walk out on the Grand Haven pier. First thing I realized immediately was that I was going to freeze as I had forgotten my coat. As we briskly walked down the pier I noticed a new building and wondered what was up with that. What I found out was that was no ordinary building and that my little community was going "green"!

Grand Haven State Campground is leading the way to providing a more earth friendly atmosphere in West Michigan--The Other West Coast! Today is the big ribbon cutting ceremony as they proclaim to the world how progressive they are by opening one of the first state "green" shower and toilet facility.

So what makes it "green"? The shower and toilet facility is equipped with many energy saving basics. My personal favorite are the light sensors that make the lights come on only when someone is occupying the particular facility--I need those for my bathroom I am sure. But that isn't it. They are saving electricity and water in several ways! The 4 private and 8 family shower facilities have on demand water heaters with timers and low flow toilets and urinals. To further reduce the use of electric, windows have been installed to let the natural light in. There are also solar panels that power the ventilating systems for the showers and toilet facilities.

Apparently it is one of the first campgrounds to try this. Personally I couldn't think of a better place to try this--have you ever tried to get into Grand Haven State Campground? Nearly impossible. It is always packed because the campground sits right on the beach. But don't think you can just go to the beach and check it out! It is only for the campground.

My second thought was, I wonder how much this cost Michigan. Our state is leading the way in foreclosures (although we are no longer first--yeah!!!) and really can't afford spending money that doesn't need to be spent. I was happy to hear that the $750,000 project was funded by a land conservation fund. It will be exciting to exactly how much money this shower facility will save! Hopefully I will do a follow-up in the fall to let you know what happened!

I am proud of the community I live my life in called West Michigan--The Other West Coast!