Real Estate in Northeast Florida and Around the World

I made my last new year's resolution in 2000 - with the resolve to not make new year's resolutions ever again, and to always take conscious notice of my blessings from the previous year during the year as those blessings occur.  I am getting better at this in my 10th year, and have learned to truly appreciate each moment of joy, laughter and kindness as it comes along instead of waiting to the end of the year to reflect.

My fondest memories this year are all of family.  Most notable is my daughter telling my husband and I that we will be grandparents in the spring, and my husband taking me to New York this summer for my very first visit to this vibrant city.  I have traveled to over a dozen countries, and yet had not experienced the wonderful New York City until this past summer.  Both were milestones that I have long wanted to experience - and I experienced them both within a month of each other.   My sons also crossed milestones this year, with my oldest reaching the ripe old age of 30, and my youngest turning 21.  Celebrating their birthdays were bittersweet for me - sweet that both of them reached these milestones successfully with bright futures on their horizons, and the bitter because I can't believe 30 and 21 years respectively have passed since I brought them into this world.  I blinked and they were grown.

I met many new friends during the year, and tried my best to remain a friend to those that have been with me through thick and thin.  I reunited during the summer with several school friends that I have not seen in over 30 years.  Thanks to Facebook, I am able to renew and build friendships I never dreamed possible, with people who now live all over the world. 

I had a couple of notable opportunities during the year to be reminded that God is still in control of my life, not that I ever doubt that for a minute.  But there are times where I am glad to know that all I have to do is turn it over to him, and I lay my head down to sleep in peace every night because I believe that.  My faith in His works in my life is unwavering.  There is not a day in my life where I do not see His hand on my path, and I will always give Him praise for it.

In a period where residential real estate has been faltering, my business has been blessed.  I more than doubled my business from 2009, and see 2011 as being another increase in business - not sure that it will double, but I will take it as it comes.  How do I do this when others are leaving the industry because of a lack of business?  Faith first, hard work second and a song in my heart always - not to mention a husband that supports my efforts and encourages me daily.  I build my business through building on my relationships - which always comes first when I interact with my customers and colleagues.  This is the fun part of my work - the relationships, the people, learning about new cultures and finding the right fix for the needs of my customers - this is the perfect fit for my life.  I have seen a kinder, gentler me develop after leaving the bonds of corporate America, and as I head into 2011, I look forward to seeing what new facet of me unfolds as I become a grandmother.

So, however you reflect and project as we end one year and decade and begin another, please make it something that is memorable!

Happy New Year!