What I learned in 2014

I've not been writing here this year, since I've focused all my efforts on my real estate related blog, Katie on Long Beach (www.katieonlongbeach.com).  However, this is the place for the annual accounting of the knowledge I've gained during the last year.  You might not be able to teach this old dog new tricks, but you sure can teach me new things.  This has been a year of personal growth, of pain, of triumphs and validation, of challenges I could not have imagined, as well as a year to celebrate successes and changes.  "All stages of life are transitional."

Things I learned in 2014:

1. The Serenity Prayer works.  Try it and keep trying it until you get it.
2. Being a Realtor has little to do with sales, it's about being of service to people in a challenging time and impacting lives in a positive way.
3. It's okay to state what you want and/or need and neither apologize for it nor explain yourself.
4. Handing someone keys to their new home is an awesome feeling.
5. Hosting 10 UCLA students for a dinner taught me our future is in good hands.
6. Watching collegiate level water polo is fun, exciting, and really great when Stanford wins (or UCLA, but only when not playing Stanford).
7. Becoming part of a church community is rewarding, uplifting and comforting. And you get to sing Christmas carols at Advent.
8. Paso wines just keep getting better and sharing with friends is the best.
9. Friendships forged in challenges are sometimes the strongest bonds.
10. A broken heart can mend, although the crack will always show.
11. Sorority sisters are always there for you.  Always. Through anything. For decades.
12. Being my own boss means I really am my own boss.  I can dress how I want and attend sales meetings or not, work or not. Get paid, or not.  It's all up to me.  What a concept.  Wish I'd learned this one a while ago.
13. Having a good car mechanic is crucial.
14. Having a good therapist rivals having a good mechanic.  I am fortunate to have both.
15. Time spent in Hawaii is good for the soul, and the more time in the water, the better.
16. Family isn't always there for you, but they try the best they know how.
17. Admitting I have little control of anything and surrendering to that has been life changing.
18. I prefer my hair a little less blonde.
19. I love my niece and nephew more every day and can't see enough of them.
20. People can be incredibly cruel.
21. People will remember what you did in the '80's and bring it up in mixed company.
22. Mama's Fish House on Maui deserves all the raves.
23. Many people who say they are looking for a house are flakey (but not my clients).
24. Not everyone has the same work ethic or professional standard I do.
25. We still have a magic carpet with my flight benefits, but we should use it more.
26. Cancer sucks. I already knew that, but each time I lose someone to it, I am reminded how insidious it is.
27. Self-care is underrated and so very important: put on your own oxygen mask before helping those around you.
28. Life is a blessing and opportunities to enjoy it and to prosper are everywhere, no matter what challenges arise. Just open your eyes and your heart.
29. Vin Scully is a national treasure.
30. Old age is always about 10-15 years older than you are.

Wishing you and those you care about a most healthy and prosperous 2015.  Seize the day!

What I Learned in 2013

It's time again for my annual post about what I learned in the year just closing.  I'm happy to say that I can still learn something every year - every day - and I hope I am a kinder, gentler person because of it.  With tongue firmly in cheek on a few of these and hand to my heart on others, here are some of the things I learned in 2013:

1. There is life after United.
2. Watching those we love grow older and more frail makes me feel helpless.
3. Buying a real airline ticket to make sure you get on the flight is pretty cool.  And miles are earned, too.
4. Money can change lives and change people, although not always for the better.
5. Just when I thought I had enough friends, my life expanded to welcome in more.  Those I'm talking about know who you are.
6. I am still good at taking exams, and I'm still the first one done.
7. People you least suspect can have terrible, hurtful secrets.
8. At 56 years old I can find a new career and love it with the enthusiasm of someone much younger.
9. My skills are transferable.
10. Therapy is a gift.
11. Real estate sales are far more about customer service than they are sales, which is why I love the new career.
12. Our capacity to love and forgive is immense.
13. 65 miles is really, really, REALLY far away when it's the distance between you and a 5 year old.
14. Saying I love you to people you love is important, no matter how much they know it.
15. A heart can be shattered, but love, time, understanding and attention will usually help mend it. 
16. Some things are worth working on.
17. Some things are not worth working on.
18. I can root against the UCLA Bruins when they are playing against my nephew and his Stanford Cardinal team.
19. Exercise really does help.
20. Watching a 5 year old learn letters, numbers, concepts and more is the coolest thing.  
21. Traveling with friends can surprise you.
22. I love to zipline.
23. Stanford is my 2nd favorite team, except when the Cardinal Men's water polo team is playing UCLA, then they are my favorite.
24. I despise studying, regardless of subject.  Not much has changed there in decades or ever.
25. Stopping the mind to just be in the moment is very, very hard.
26. Sometimes a box wine is just fine, although not all box wine is fine.
27. I don't miss my job at United.  Aside from the regular paycheck, that is.
28. Becoming friends with winery owners is fun and leads to good times with really good people.
29. I have a vital support system with some incredible friends.
30. Cancers still sucks.
31. "The Power of Now" is more like a super power.
32. I really can't sing, no matter how much I try.
33. My husband loves to take dance lessons.
34. Good intentions can be misconstrued and people can accuse you of things you never did, with no way to ever convince them otherwise.
35. I can survive anything.  Well, so far!