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.