Self-Less-Ness

We have had an incredible amount of snow over the last week. Living in Bellingham when it snows is a severe reality adjustment for those of us originally from back east where snow removal actually happens! People don't shovel their sidewalks and the city does not remove snow from the roads. Everyone just waits for the snow to melt....

AS I have had more time to surf the net due to being housebound, I decided I might need a new puppy. In a big burst of giving attitude, I decided to troll the rescue websites looking for a perfect pup. Giving a loving home to a sad pup seemed pretty selfless and giving to me...... THEN reality set in......My sister is one of the founders of the Medical Advocacy Team (MAT). MAT has been working hard to get two babies to the US for surgery before they die. They need to fundraise to pay for the flights. The smaller of the two children, Berlange, is only a few weeks old. He is in critical condition and may not survive the trip if it doesn't happen SOON. Uh, helping a dog seems a little self serving......I think my extra funds will go to help these poor children. If you want to join in, you can see their stories at http://www.medicaladvocacyteam.blogspot.com/

Paperwork

The reality of realty is a ton and a half of paperwork. First there is the purchase and sale agreement, then the multiple addenda, then the inspection, then the financing paperwork, then closing...... It seems that all you do is shuffle and explain horribly written contract. The fun side of realty is looking at houses. Sometimes it is a bit scary, sometimes a bit funny and sometimes just fills you with envy. Realtors see a little of everything and hopefully helps every buyer find their dream home. The real work starts when the dream home is found. I love the thrill of competently filling out contracts to my clients advantage. Negotiating sales is also fun to me. Watching over the transaction from mutual acceptance to closing is a thrill. Something invariably produces a new challenge in every transaction and keeping things on track is MY JOB.

In The Holiday Spirit!

I am feeling merry and bright today. There is winter in the air and my favorite time of year is upon us! It has nothing to do with receiving and everything to do with remembering those who are near and dear to us. Family, unity and togetherness are a huge part of the holiday season in our house. We are hopeful that the little boy that we are hosting from Haiti will be with us before the end of the year. This is a wonderful opportunity for my family. To get to closely know a child from another culture will be exciting. My children have been patiently awaiting his stay for months now and can't wait to have a new "sibling" for the next few months.





The housing market is typically slow this time of year. Interest rates are super low, but the selection of homes and condos for my clients is a bit on the thin side. So that is a frustration. I have the luxury of having two ready, well qualified buyers but we can't find them their dream homes! My listings are waiting to find their buyers too. Hopefully the new year will bring new hope to the market. The country should start to feel some relief from the recession in the new year (I HOPE).





My horses are well. The snazzy new pony won many ribbons at her first show and is beginning to show a new fit and spoiled attitude. Forbid that she should go a day to two without love, attention and riding. She becomes the power trotting pony and zips around the ring at top speed. Hopefully the daughter's riding skill will soon match the abilities of her Cyder-Ella pony! Diego (my horse) continues to be a joy. He is smart and fun. Hopefully the new year will give me loads of time to ride and train so that he actually lives up to a bit of the potential he is currently showing.

I had to add another photo from the despook, mounted police clinic. I call this photo "horses meet fire".