Folding, Folding, Folding, Folding

Hopefully everyone on the east coast is doing okay.  If you happen to be in an area where it is snowing, I hope you are safe and snug at home.  Myself, I am home with a few things I would like to get done and one of them is going to take me longer than the next 2 days.

Back in Elementary School, I read the book about the 1,000 paper cranes.  The Japanese tradition of, whoever makes a thousand paper cranes gets a wish.  Then thought nothing of it.  Until I became friends with the Lovely Sarah Cooper, who was tweeting about folding paper cranes for a friends father who had cancer.  I thought that was a super nice thing to do and commented that when we met up, she would have to teach me how to fold them.  When we did meet, Sarah did just that. Again, time passed and I thought nothing of it.  Then a  few months later I met a friend of my Real Estate partner, who had cancer.  John Boroughs was one of those people that you would meet and instantly become best friends with.  After meeting him for the first time, I thought back to Sarah and her paper cranes.  The next thing I knew, I was folding 1,000 paper cranes for John.  It took me a few months and a little help from others to fold the entire 1,000 paper cranes.  Most of the people who asked what I was doing said, “that is so nice of you.”  There were a few people that said, “you know those cranes wont change anything.”  To those last few people my reply was, “well yes I am not an idiot.” I knew all along that these cranes were not going to cure the cancer or make it go away.  It was just something to show John, that he knew people loved him and hoped he would make it through.

Sadly, John passed away last year after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.  I did get the cranes to him before he passed and he did live 4 months longer than the doctors said he would.  The last time I spoke to him, he said that he showed those cranes to everyone who came to visit him.  He loved them and that was all that mattered to me.

Since that time, I was glad to not be folding paper cranes or my tired fingers were at least.  A few months ago a friend of my mothers, who is the sweetest woman you will ever meet in your life, was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Now what do you think I have been doing since then!

Since, I will be snowed in for a few day, I hope to get a bunch more knocked out.  I know that these cranes wont change a thing, but if it helps my friend smile while they are suffering, that is all that I care about.

Need a Cupcake Fix?

For those few people that even read this blog, please enjoy the video that is posted above.  Sarah Stelmok and I went to Colonial Cupcake in Fredericksburg, VA and tasted some cupcakes.  If you would like to read Sarah’s post, please do, her blog is amazing!

Colonial Cupcake is located at 611 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg VA 22401.  They are closed Monday and Tuesday but open Wednesday – Saturday 10 – 7 and Sunday 10 – 8.  Go Try it out!

Happy 2 Year Anniversary!

The Bryan Penman sent me a message earlier today saying that today is the 2 year anniversary of getting my Real Estate License. I can not believe it. It feels like I have had my license for years. After Bryan sent me that message, it made me think of all the amazing people that have helped me in my real estate career.

First and foremost, I have to thank Gail Penman. Without Gail, I would not be where I am. Gail is one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life. She nurtured and helped me more than anyone else in my entire real estate career, without here I would have nothing.

Second, Bryan Penman. If he had not been there to nag, Gail probably would have killed me! he basically deserves Sainthood!

Sherry Bailey, who was my Managing Broker, who sat with me through her classes, deserves some sort of medal or plaque! She helped me through that first year and I thank her for that!

The last few people are just as important in my Real Estate Career.

Mr. G Brown, who took me on as a Real Estate partner after I had been in the business for a year. Gail Penman, really you own him an apology!

Last but not least, Claire Forcier-Rowe, if I didn’t have you to ask a million questions to, I don’t know what I would do. Also, if you didn’t criticize my shoes, who would I go to for fashion advice!

I am where I am in my Real Estate Career because of so many people. I could have never done it on my own.

Thank you.

So You Think You Can Be A Realtor…

So today, I was sitting on the couch, watching a DVRed episode of, So You Think You Can Dance. If you have never seen the show, dancers try out to become Americas favorite dancer.  Its like American Idol for dance.  Every week on the show, the dancers work with different choreographers.  These choreographers are horribly hard on these dancers and expect the dancers to be above and beyond, but each week the dancers learn something different that makes them a better dancer. 

I have been a Realtor for 1 year and 3 months.  During my whole Real Estate carrer I have had a mentor.  They allowed me to shadow them on appointments.  Shown me how to fill out paperwork.  Had me deal with things I never thought I would have to do in my life (oil tank removal, historic preservationist, cold calling) They have been harder on me, than my parents have ever been and taken me to the point where I have considered quiting.  Looking back, if my mentors had not been as hard on me or expected me to go above and beyond than I would only be mediocre.

I have taken tons of classes, read tons of books and as many blog posts as humanly possible.  I am like those dancers on, So You Think You Cand Dance, without my mentor helping me every week, I would not be the Realtor I am today.

Open City = Awesome

This past week, I was in Washington DC for the NAR Mid-Year Conference. After a day of meetings a few friends and I, decided to go get a bit to eat. We ended up going to a restaurant called, Open City. From the moment our waitress, Lara, came to the table, I knew it was going to be a good time! Not only is Lara one of the coolest people I have ever met she is also one of the best waitresses EVER! We ended up staying at Open City for over 2 hours and we had one of the best times. There was never a moment when my drink was empty or that Lara wasn’t stopping by to make sure we were okay Not only did she give us superior service she became our friend.  The food was super good but with the addition of the awesome service, I had one of the best times ever.  If you stop by, I have to suggest that you get the Chicken Salad Sandwich, it was super yummy! So, if you ever find yourself in DC and you would like a cup of coffee, a bite to eat or an adult beverage make your way to Open City at, 2331 Calvert Street NW, Washington DC 20008!

Golf Anyone?

For all of you who like to play golf, keep your Monday, May 4, 2009 open. That day is Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors 6th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser. The tournament will be at Fawn Lake Country Club. This is a private course, get your chance to play. The money raised by the event will go towards the Realtor Foundation. Please sign up and play. If you need any information please go to www.faarmembers.com (the Event section). Also, you can email me if you need information.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful night and has an even better 2009!

Say hello to my new FlipVideo Camera!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! One of my gifts I got (and my favorite!) is my Flip Video Camera. Its super cool. Its a little camera that allows you to take up to 60 minutes of video on it. It them has a USB arm on it that hooks right into your computer. You upload the video and do with them, what you want. So, when I got home tonight I made a little, Hello Video World, video. Say hello to Drew Fristoe.

First Snowfall of the Season!

This afternoon I looked out the window and noticed that it was snowing outside. It was only flurries but at least it was snowing! Well, I just looked outside again and noticed that it has continued to snow. It may only be a dusting of snow but it awesome!  All I want to do it curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate next to a big fire in the fireplace!

This pictures is from the front porch! The snow and the Christmas Decorations are perfect and make the house look even more beautiful!  I hope everyone has a great weekend and if you are have had your first snowfall of the year, please enjoy it as much as I am!

Off to NAR I go!

Hello everyone! I know I havent posting in forever and I am very sorry. I just wanted everyone to know that I leave tomorrow for the National Association of Realtors Conference in Orlando, Florida!  The Conference is from 11/7 – 11/10.  I will be meeting some awesome new people and some old friends as well.  Hopefully, I will come back re-energized and ready to actually post on here!

I hope everyone has had an amazing week! I know I have and it will only get better!