Garage Sale-ing in Ladera Ranch

Okay, so Ladera Ranch only allows garage sales when they advertise for it.  I think it is only once a year, maybe twice.  Today was the day.  Since Brian and I found moved into our condo, we were looking forward to this community wide garage sale.    It's quite the production--if you plan to sell things you have to register and then all the realtors have to put up signs pointing you to the exact street---almost to the exact home of the participants.  All week long I was having my own little countdown.  We weren't looking for much--just a jogging stroller and some toys.  So, we went to bed anticipating the garage sales this morning.  I woke up with a horrendous headache and my daughter, who decided to wake up at 5, didn't help matters.  She was screaming.  We got her to calm down a bit, but I decided to get her out of bed at 5:45.  I then got a bloody nose---things were not in my favor this morning!  So, we were not able to head out at 7:00 like we had hoped.  We didn't get out the door until 9:45.  

I learned 5 things today about garage sale-ing in Ladera Ranch.  

1.) It probably is best to get out and about at 7:00 if it is advertised to start at 7:00.  If you don't, you end up following flat-bed trucks that are loaded up mountain high with stuff.  Now, if you recall, I was wanting a jogging stroller.  We got stuck behind one truck that had EVERY type of stroller, bike etc...I was so mad.  Brian almost made the guy pull over so we could ask him how much he wanted for the stroller---you know he was going to sell it anyway. 

2.)  Parking correctly does NOT apply when garage sale-ing in Ladera Ranch.  Apparently, you are allowed to park in the middle of the street and have your KID sit in the driver seat.  You are also allowed to park as far AWAY from the curb as you possibly can--it's like you get an award if you do. 

3.) It is okay to drive 1 mph down any street.  I mean, you wouldn't want to miss any of the garage sales, right?  I have an idea, step outside of your car and look at the items, but don't forget to park as far away from the curb as you can.  Apparently, it is also okay to drive in the wrong direction too.  

4.) Carry dramamine, ginger or peppermint with you.  You might just get carsick from riding around in your car going around round-a-bout after round-a-bout after round-a-about.  (If you don't know much about Ladera Ranch, there aren't really stop lights---just ROUND-A-BOUTS---I am feeling nauseous just writing round-a-bout.)  We were in the car for at least 2 hours and I was starting to question if I was pregnant or carsick because the feeling was not leaving me.  (I was carsick)

5.) Rich people also have JUNK.  

In case you are curious.  We drove away spending only $0.50 at the second to last house we visited.  Quite bummed, but at least now I know the rules for next year.