A Busy Year

A Busy Year

2011 turned out to be quite a year! The funding troubles at The Pennsville Public Library took a huge chunk of my time. Navigating through the still-troubled Real Estate market was a prime concern, too.

I was fortunate to be asked to join The Salem County Chamber of Commerce early in 2011 as a Board member. Fortunate? Well, better described as honored. What a terrific group of business people! I really cannot think of a better group to be associated with......I'm looking forward to learning a lot from these folks.

Of course, adding some things to a busy schedule demands the subtraction of other things. With a heavy heart, I resigned from the Salem County Workforce Investment Board. This was also an honor to be a part of but after careful consideration, I had to admit to myself that it was a nonworking board appointment.

You may ask, "What does that mean?" Well, it means that I attended quarterly board meetings, but I felt that I did not contribute anything to anyone. I felt that it was an appointment that allowed me to say that I was on the county Workforce Investment Board, but I did not contribute in any-way-shape-or-form. One thing about me is that I like to feel like my time is well-spent and I am doing something constructive.

The sweetest thing of all this year was 'Billy The Kid' needing a home. With the passing of Rhondo in January, the house was quiet and empty. Billy needed us.....and we needed him. Perfect together.

Lastly, to wrap up 2011 -- it was a bit of a battle on the health-front, but I'm happy to announce that I'm once again feeling strong and good.

And at the end of the day, isn't that the most important thing of all? I know it's a cliche, but it is oh-so-true.......

"Without your health, you have nothing."

Here's to your good health and abundance in 2012!

I've been a mother for 26 years now. Looking back over all of these years, thinking about all of the Mother's Days, I think the first one was the most memorable. I can clearly remember going to church with my four-month old baby......what an effort to get up, get showered and dressed, feed my daughter, get to the church on time, etc.

As I trudged up the stairs, baby on hip, diaper bag on my shoulder, pocketbook on the opposite shoulder, bangs hanging a bit in my eyes.....

One of the church members, with a huge smile on her face, handed me a pink carnation....a pink carnation for Moms.

I will never forget that moment.

That carnation.

My first Mother's Day.

"Say What You Do and Do What You Say"

"Say What You Do and Do What You Say"

I heard these words many years ago during a workshop on communication. It sounded simple enough, but the reality is that while it is a very simple statement, it is not so simple to follow through to completion.

"Say What You Do and Do What You Say" is your word....your bond....your promise, to not only those around you, but to yourself.

If you say you're going to call.....then you call.

If you say you're going to stop by.....then you stop by.

If you say you're going to help out......then you help out.

If you say you're going to check in on a friend.....then you check in on your friend.

Not doing so breaks the trust, creates doubt, confusion......and finally, hurt.

"Say What You Do and Do What You Say"

Can it really be that simple?

If You Want Something Done, Ask A Busy Person

I'm excited about Real Estate again even though it's been a tough patch lately.

Really tough.

The market is picking up a bit. Not enough to inspire me to do a backflip, but enough to realize we are heading in the right direction. That is, as far as units go.

As far as purchase prices?

Still trending down. (Sorry to say it, but it's true)

So, you may be wondering what could I possibly be excited about?

New opportunities. Lessons learned. New habits. Interesting events. Interesting people.

Beginning in July, I'll be a contributing member for the new Cumberland County Woman's webpage. I'm very pleased to join Esther Lankitus on her project.

Very pleased.

I'll be writing a brief article each month for her new website.

I hope you'll check it out! I'll let you know when it launches

So Who Owns This House Anyway????

I received a call from a gentleman in North Jersey. I seem to be doing a lot of business with North Jersey folks lately. Anyway, he was in the process of foreclosing on a small house in Salem City. He reported that he didn't have the papers back from the court just yet but should have them any day.

He asked me to head on over to the property and let him know what it is worth. That's a tricky question now-a-days. It's harder now than ever to estimate the value of properties. I mean, who REALLY knows what is happening in this Real Estate market?

Let me just say, "The house is a MESS!" Stuff all over.....all kinds of stuff. I dragged a dear friend with me that day and to tell you the truth I was a little bit embarrassed about 'my new listing'. Oh well, as one of my investors used to say, "There's a house for every butt and a butt for every house." (OK, he didn't quite say it like that. That is the 'G' version of his saying)

The client was extrememly anxious for me to complete my work and get the property on the active market. He was more anxious than most. By the end of the week, it was up and running.

Last week, a Realtor from Gloucestor County drove all the way down to Salem to show this poor, little house. Once he was there, he called me to obtain the lockbox combination. There's only one problem with that.....I never put a lockbox on this particular house.

Now, there's a mystery! Who is running around the city of Salem placing lockboxes on distressed houses? Not anyone that I know.

Banks will do this though. Banks actually do this quite often.

My client doesn't know who did it. His lawyer doesn't know who did it. They both want me to cut off the lock.

Me? I want to know who really owns the property. I'd like to see the papers from the court.

I'm not touching that lockbox.

Only 143.5 Hours To Go......

Today was the beginning of a beautiful thing. Today an intern, from Rowan University, reported to my office for 150 hours of learning and service to my company. When I met Kenan last week, I was a little bit worried about this arrangement.

"How in the world am I going to keep this young man interested and busy for 150 hours?"

After today, I realize there are nooooooo problems! I have a list of projects for him to help with that could potentially last for 300 hours! Pity he will only be with me until April 30th.

We began, ordinarily enough, with a tour of the office and a quick review of the websites that are most helpful to our Real Estate community, both agents and consumers. Kenan participated in an online class on the current governmental tax refunds for both first-time home buyers and move-up buyers. I thought this was a good topic for a finance major to understand.

Next it was time for lunch. Interns may tell you that they are not hungry and will eat when they go home, but don't believe it.....they like to eat!

The fun really began when it was time for Kenan to take an online personality assessment. If you're not familiar with the D - I - S- C assessment, you owe it to yourself to check it out. I use a company called TTI Success Insights. After a brief assessment, TTI generates a 23-page in-depth report on the individual that provides strengths, weaknesses, ideal work environments, natural style of interactions/adapted style of interactions, stressors, etc.

In other words, after an employee takes the assessment, I have a very good idea of how to manage that employee to their betterment. Conversely, they have a good idea of how I function as a manager after they read my assessment. In other words, I found out that Kenan likes an organized work space and he found out that my desk is often overflowing with PAPERS......uh oh.......

It's interesting, it's fun and it's oh-so-helpful!

We wrapped up the day by mapping out some important events for 2010. I now have an extra set of hands to help me with several meaningful projects.......and Kenan will, hopefully, get a taste of small business in Salem County, NJ and what it takes to be an entrepenuer in today's economic climate.

I'll keep you posted, Folks.

Now, if I could only talk him into allowing me to take his picture for you all to see.

Better To Stay Home & Make Snow Angels

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

*Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

*If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared and that you know how to handle road conditions.

*It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. (Fess up, how many of you used to do donuts in the high school parking lot on snow days?)

Driving safely on icy roads

*Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brakes.


Be safe out there, Folks.....but remember to have fun, too!

For more info, go to: http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html




Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services