GIVING THANKS!!

A chill is in the air – especially for Atlanta! I think Mother Nature forgot that we’re in the South - giving us a good taste of, in my opinion, winter from the North. The temperatures are down right chilly— giving us all a good indicator summer is gone for a while. 

It is so easy when things seem bleak to crawl into bed, pull the covers over our head, hibernating while waiting for a better tomorrow. But I would venture to guess that most of us have been getting up every day this year, putting one foot in front of the other and doing all we can to keep a smile on our face, trying to look for that silver lining. 

We can all take pause to reflect on the roller coaster ride 2008 has been. And, I am not just talking about real estate. If we reflect on this year’s real estate market nationwide, add the sub-prime lending disaster, the bank bailouts, the tumbling  stock market, rising unemployment; and, now a call for help from the auto industry, I think we could all agree that 2008 will be a year to remember (or not)! 

It is so easy to think about all the “bad” that surrounds us; and, so easy to forget the “good!” However, with the Holiday Season upon us, what better time than now to take a step back, take a deep breath and give thanks! Yes, I said “thanks!” 

For me, as I look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family and friends I will give a very humble “thank you” for:

1. Living in the greatest nation in the world
2. For parents who raised me with love while teaching the importance of honesty and integrity
3. An older brother who helped me develop a tough skin through years of his teasing
4. A sister who has become my best friend
5. For a husband who loves me unconditionally and is always supportive
6. For my daughter and son of whom I am very proud!
7. My friends & good neighbors
8. My health & the health of my family and friends
9. Having a roof over my head & food on the table
10. Money to pay the bills
11. People who care about and love me
12. For our adorable “girls”: Gabby and Gracie (our loving miniature dachshunds)
13. For every client who said “Yes” I want to work with you
14. For a broker who is always encouraging and pushing me forward
15. For every closing I had this year
16. And………..my faith! 

There is much to be grateful for; but no doubt there are times when it is hard to remember.  So, now more than ever, my wish for all of you is that you have a very Happy Thanksgiving and blessed Holiday Season.  May 2009 be a year when you can each reach out and touch that "silver lining".

janice