Diana's Blog

Web Site Building

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:04:07 -0800

Hey….I can do that!

Let’s give it a go, I need a web site and GoDaddy offers free hosting for my domain name purchase so why not see if I can create my own site. I so don’t want to have one that is a template, I want it to be original.

Let’s see, what software can I use that I already have. Not much, come to find out. Wait! Microsoft Publisher has a web builder. Awesome! I know Microsoft software so this should not only be pretty easy but fun too.

Wrong.

A little clarification: Designing a site is not that difficult (for me). Upload pictures, choose a background, create a header, type in some content and viola we have a pretty site. What I have little knowledge of and found out is critical to a good site is all the html work that goes on behind the scenes of a working site.

Now before you laugh, I knew there would be some html work, such as the meta tags but I had no idea how many errors and issues had to be corrected and changed. I suppose that’s what I get for using a basic program and free hosting? I really thought that the hosting site or software would handle the coding and make sure there are no errors. Really, I thought most of that was kind of a template and didn’t need to be combed through. It’s a site so it all needs to go on there right? Not necessarily. Even to the point of some code not closing with a “>”. What is the point of entering code if the program doesn’t format it correctly?

Well, my site is up and running www.assistantperproject.com and I actually like how it turned out. The problem I am faced with now is that after running: www.validator.w3c.org and it coming up with over 400 issues, I can’t figure out how to look at my site through html code to make corrections. I have seen on other programs that you can switch to html format but I am not finding that on Publisher and definitely not finding it on GoDaddy which I didn’t think I would, seems like that should be a software thing not a hosting thing. Am I missing something? If I can find the html code format for the site then I can make the changes that the validator suggested.

Frustration.

So, for now I will be happy with having a site that people who know me can check out and will have to deal with actually being seen by search engines and not as a code issue at a later time.

I need to step away from if for a day and come back fresh and hopefully with some advice from some techie connections through the various and wonderous networking sites I am immersed in.

It has been interesting to learn so far and I know that when all is said and done I’ll have a web site that I created and will be able to add that to my list of accomplishments.

(and now AR isn't allowing me to upload any more clipart to this blog so I'm submitting it as is)

Oh and kudos to the SEO's and builders who are doing this for a living!

Safety Reminders

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:57:09 -0800

It's getting to be that time of year again, holiday shoppers, people going out more, the rush of the season and year end. Here are some safety tips I received in an email. Doesn't hurt to be reminded to be cautious specially for those who run errands and such by themselves.

1 . Tip The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,
DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM .
Toss it away from you.....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.
RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy.
The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.
This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc).
DON'T DO THIS!
The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
If someone is in the car with a gun to your head
DO NOT DRIVE OFF,
repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF!
Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door . Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side.. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid/not PC than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs.
(Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic:
STOP
It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point:
Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her
'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'
The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'
He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby ----

Holidays in Norfolk

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:50:34 -0800

This will be my first Holiday/Winter Season in Hampton Roads and I am looking forward to it already. We have just had our first light snow flurries and cold weather and I'm amped up for the rest of it.

When we moved to Norfolk in April we were having a tough time figuring out where to live. Which area? How far is it to the base? What's a good or bad area? What we ended up with was an apartment that is a good size for us in an area that is easy access to everything. We are only about 5 minutes from the airport which also puts us that close to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Oh yes, I'm a nature lover and you bet I bought membership as soon as I could.

Membership is giving me a preview of the Garden of Lights this weekend and I'm sooooo excited. I walked around a few days ago when they were setting up and it just is going to be beautiful.

I'll blog afterwards but I'm sure it will be worth going if you have a chance in December. Admission is per car (cash only) so pile in and go check it out! Support the Gardens!

Brian Tracy Assessments

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:48:31 -0800

I was on another networking site...YES there are others! hehe ... and someone posted this link:

http://briantracyassessments.com/assessment.asp

This is one of the few personal assessments that doesn't take an hour to complete. I was rather surprised at how I was assessed specially considering my stage fright issue. haha!

Here is what I got:

Congratulations Diana, you are a Director.

In a moment, you’re going to learn how to use this information to improve all your personal and professional communication and get exactly what you want from everybody you deal with.

An Overview of your Director Behavioral Style Here are some traits found in Directors. Some of these you’re going to look at and say, "Hey, that sounds just like me!" Others you might say, "No, I’m not like that." Most of these traits are in your personality, but sometimes, for various reasons, you may not exhibit all of them. Not everyone fits perfectly within these descriptors, but do try to keep an open mind as you read them. Remember, it is perfectly natural to behave differently at work than you do with your family and friends.

# You work impressively by yourself and require very little external motivation to achieve your goals.

# You tend to make quick decisions as soon as you see the benefits of a product or service. You move forward confidently, even if the decision was not 100% correct, knowing you can make mid-course corrections.

# You dislike working with people who are wishy-washy or slow to take action. You gain energy by working with confident, intelligent people.

# You prefer work that gives you opportunities to measure your results against other people or competitors.

# You are not a patient listener. You view "chit-chat" as an interruption in your day.

# Others view you as a natural leader. You are comfortable taking command of groups, boards and meetings.

# At work, your primary focus is on winning, results and forward progress.

# You like new "toys"… especially if they save you time or help you accomplish more.

# You cannot stand traffic jams, long lines or anything else that triggers your natural impatience.

Are you a Socializer or a Director? A Thinker or a Relator?

Does your specific work personality help or hinder you in your field and how?

Just some things to think about as I forge through with cultivating my entrepreneurial spirit.

Shenandoah Trail 2008

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:49:05 -0800

The man and I got on the bike to go see the Autumn colors up in the Shenandoah trail and took some decent pics, thought I'd share:

Our trip was eventful...it took us 6 hours to get from Norfolk, VA to Fredericksburg which should only take maybe 1.5 or 2 hours but the tunnel we decided to take to get North of Norfolk ended up being blocked by an accident so we backtracked to the other tunnel which ended up having a 4 mile back up to get through. We left at about 2 pm so by the time we got North of Richmond the sun was starting to set and it was getting colder which normally isn't a big deal except we were on a motorcycle. By the time we got to Fredericksburg we were freezing! We pulled over to a hotel and spent the night. Got up in the morning to below 40 degree chill and headed over to the tip of the mountain range and Skyline Drive. It was cold but the 2 hours it took to get the rest of the way warmed up quickly and we were fairly comfortable the rest of the day. The pictures show our journey down the mountain range. It was gorgeous! By the time we got home, around 7:00 pm Saturday, we were pretty exhausted and sore but it was worth it. The views were fantastic and I was proud to have made the trip without too much trouble - being fairly new to riding. Enjoy the photos.

Creating your marketing flier

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:53:16 -0700

Flier Creation – Not As Easy As It Looks:

There are many things to take in to consideration:

Aesthetics – is it easy on the eyes?

Branding – can you tell right away who the company is and recognize their logo?

Space – is there too much information crammed into one small space?

Information – are you actually giving some valuable information on the flier?

Color Palette - does your color palette match your branding?

Continuity – do your fonts and sizes make sense? are your bullets and capitalizations continuous throughout?

Contact Information – is it correct and everything on the flier?

The Grab Factor – does the flier grab the viewer?

Graphics – are photos and clip art good quality that will print well or will the pixels show?

Spelling/Grammar Check – don’t miss those little oops! and over punctuating issues.

The Dealmaker – is there something on the flier that asks the viewer to call for more information, stop by, check out a web site, etc.?

Copywritten – do you have permission to use that picture/logo/graphic?

Distinction – does your flier look like anyone else’s?

Those are just a few of the things to consider, there is also corporate branding and making sure any disclosures are on the flier that are required. Some companies require their logo to be larger than your logo, there are ethics codes and other things to consider as well.

Some people seem to get frustrated with flier creation; it takes time, thought and focus. It is one of my favorite things to do in my business as a freelance assistant. Mostly because it takes a burden off of someone else and allows them to do what they do best, interact with people and gives me a creative outlet. The part I enjoy the most with creating a marketing flier is using my eye for detail and persistent perfectionism in a creative manner. Getting it right will keep me up late working on it but it’s worth it in the end.

My best suggestion for those who create their own fliers and get frustrated with it as well as those who put one together quickly: Step back, take a break for a while and come back later with fresh eyes. Also, pull someone else aside with what you have so far, put it up in front of them for only about 20 seconds, take it down and ask them what they noticed. You’d be surprised with what stands out to the person who is glancing at it. What do you want to stand out? Did they see what you hoped they would?

In the end, a bad flier will reflect on your business just as much, if not more, than a great flier.

Random Emails From Mom Again

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:50:21 -0700

To the citizens of the United States of America from Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

In light of your failure in recent years to nominate competent candidates for President of the USA and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective immediately.

Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except Kansas, which she does not fancy).

Your new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, will appoint a Governor for America without the need for further elections.

Congress and the Senate will be disbanded.

A questionnaire may be circulated next year to determine whether any of you noticed.

To aid in the transition to a British Crown dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:

(You should look up "revocation" in the Oxford English Dictionary.)

1. Then look up aluminium, and check the pronunciation guide. You will be amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it.

2. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as "colour", "favour", "labour" and "neighbour." Likewise, you will learn to spell "doughnut" without skipping half the letters, and the suffix '-ize' will be replaced by the suffix '-ise'. Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels. (look up "vocabulary").

3. Using the same twenty-seven words interspersed with filler noises such as "like" and "you know" is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. There is no such thing as US English. We will let M*crosoft know on your behalf. The M*crosoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take into account the reinstated letter "u" and the elimination of -ize.

4. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday.

5. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers, or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows that you're not quite ready to be independent. Guns should only be used for shooting grouse. If you can't sort things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist then you're not ready to shoot grouse.

6. Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous than a vegetable peeler. Although a permit will be required if you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public.

7. All intersections will be replaced with roundabouts, and you will start driving on the left side with immediate effect. At the same time, you will go metric with immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables.

Both roundabouts and metrication will help you understand the British sense of humour.

8. The former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been calling gasoline) of roughly $10/US gallon. Get used to it.

9. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French fries are not real chips, and those things you insist on calling potato chips are properly called crisps. Real chips are thick cut, fried in animal fat, and dressed not with catsup but with vinegar.

10. The cold tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually beer at all. Henceforth, only proper British Bitter will be referred to as beer, and European brews of known and accepted provenance will be referred to as Lager. South African beer is also acceptable as they are pound for pound the greatest sporting nation on earth and it can only be due to the beer. They are also part of British Commonwealth - see what it did for them. American brands will be referred to as Near-Frozen Gnat's Urine, so that all can be sold without risk of further confusion.

11. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as good guys. Hollywood will also be required to cast English actors to play English characters. Watching Andie MacDowell attempt English dialogue in Four Weddings and a Funeral was an experience akin to having one's ears removed with a cheese grater.

12. You will cease playing American football. There is only one kind of proper football; you call it soccer. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which has some similarities to American football, but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like a bunch of nancies). Don't try rugby - the South Africans and Kiwis will thrash you, like they regularly thrash us.

13. Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an event called the World Series for a game which is not played outside of America. Since only 2.1% of you are aware there is a world beyondyour borders, your error is understandable. You will learn cricket, and we will let you face the South Africans first to take the sting out of their deliveries.

14. You must tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us mad.

15. An internal revenue agent (i.e. tax collector) from Her Majesty's Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all monies due (backdated to 1776).

16. Daily Tea Time begins promptly at 4 pm with proper cups, with saucers, and never mugs, with high quality biscuits (cookies) and cakes; plus strawberries (with cream) when in season.

God Save the Queen!

Random E-Mails From Mom

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:09:16 -0700

The human body is a machine that is full of wonder. This collection of

human body facts will leave you wondering why in the heck we were

designed the way we were.

1.. Scientists say the higher your I.Q. The more you dream.

2.. The largest cell in the human body is the female egg.

3. The smallest is the male sperm.

4.. You use 200 muscles to take one step.

5.. The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man.

6.. Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three.

7.. A pair of human feet contain 250,000 sweat glands.

8.. A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball.

9.. The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blades.

10.. The human brain cell can hold 5 times as much information as

the Encyclopedia Britannica.

11.. It takes food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.

12.. The average human dream lasts 2-3 seconds.

13.. Men without hair on their chests are more likely to get cirrhosis

of the liver than men with hair.

14.. At the moment of conception, you spent about half an hour as a

single cell.

15. There is about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.

16.. Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a

gallon of water to a boil.

17.. The enamel in your teeth is the hardest substance in your body.

18.. Your teeth start developing (in your gums) 6 months before you

are born.

19.. When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate, they

do the same when you are looking at someone you don't particularly care

for.

20.. Blondes have more hair than dark-haired people.

21.. Your thumb is the same length as your nose.

22.. At this very moment I know full well you are putting this last

fact to the test ... now remove your thumb from your nose and pass this

on to the friends you think might be interested in comparing their

thumbs to their noses as well. You did it -- I KNOW you did!!!!!

Random Emails From Mom 3

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:03:52 -0700

More wisdom in the form of a forwarded email from my mother. I didn't know this either!

Subject: Aluminum foil boxes Well who knew this?

I never even looked before! Most of you probably know this already but it was a completely new thing to me!

I’ve been using aluminum foil for more years than I care to remember. Great stuff, but sometimes it can be a pain You know, like when you are in the middle of doing something and you try to pull some foil out and the roll comes out of the box. Then you have to put the roll back in the box and start over. The darn roll always comes out at the wrong time.

Well, I would like to share this with you. Yesterday I went to throw out an empty Reynolds foil box and for some reason I turned it and looked at the end of the box. And written on both ends it said, “Press here to lock end”. Right there on the ends of the box is a tab to lock the roll in place. How long has this little locking tab been there? I then looked at a generic brand of aluminum foil and it them too. I then looked at a box of Saran wrap and it had tabs too! I can’t count the number of times the Saran warp roll has jumped out when I was trying to cover something up.

I’m sharing this with my friends that may not know this. I hope I’m not the only person who didn’t know about this.

Good Idea or Keep My Day Job?

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:43:14 -0700

Good Idea or Keep My Day Job? (so to speak)

I have been kicking around an idea for several years now about what I would like to do professionally and if it is something that would take off or not and I would love to get some feedback from realtors.

It's kind of in between a virtual assistant and an in office assistant but you would only hire me for a specific project with the hopes that you would come back for other things. You would not be responsible for keeping someone in the office or trying to keep someone busy for 6 to 8 hours a day. If you have an assistant , you could still send odd jobs to me that your assistant may not have time to do or could be something they are particularly not trained in or isn't their strong suit. Or even fill in for them when they are on vacation or sick. It wouldn't threaten their position.

So, if you are up for it and wouldn't mind giving your opinion, please let me know your thoughts and advise. Is this something you would be interested in?

The following is a flyer I have come up with..so far:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Realtors and Teams

Don’t want to hire a part time or full time assistant?

Have an assistant (or several) with projects that hit low on the priority list?

If you could ask someone to jump in to take care of a project but not be obligated to keep them on payroll would you use them?

Does a virtual assistant not appeal to you because you prefer someone local and want a more hands on approach to your work?

What I can do for you:

*Create flyers/mailers *Run Ads *Create spread sheets

*Print letters/memos/faxes *Send email correspondence *Transport paperwork

*Scan documents *Process photo cards *Run errands

*Transaction Coordinator *Travel arrangements *Online advertising

*Create marketing material *Update past client lists *Data entry

*Other projects as needed/required. *Order supplies *Copies/Print jobs

*Projects completed in a timely manner *Research *Tell me what you need!

*Personal assistant duties negotiable, such as errands, shopping, etc.

*Temporarily fill in for office personnel on vacation/sick/etc.

*Check your email and office messages when you are out of town.

With me you will have complete confidentiality, total control, complete honesty and a flat fee depending on difficulty and frequency agreed to prior to taking each project.

I am located in a very central location in Norfolk, VA.

Diana Walkosak

Assistant Per Project

619.995.9123 – Mobile Phone

dwalkosak@hotmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, what do you think? Am I delusional or is there a place for this type of service?

New Adventure

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:16:01 -0700

Well, here I am in Norfolk, Virginia! We moved from San Diego, California and took two weeks to get here. Stopping to visit family in between and of course, we couldn't miss going to Graceland on the way. Graceland was wonderful!

I experienced a week of life in the country where roosters crowed, men on tractors drove down the road and the best thing to do on a day off is running to Walmart. We went to a restaurant with wood picnic tables and a Cajun band playing some great music with words I could not figure out for the life of me. Women danced on the wood floor barefoot and everything on the menu was either crawfish, shrimp, catfish, gator or some combination thereof.

Needless to say, fun times!!! Oh and can't forget to mention the crawfish boil on Saturday, almost the entire clan was there for that day and Sunday Uncle Billy smoked a turkey in an overturned tin garbage can.

+ =

We are settled in Norfolk now after deciding on a rental in a convenient part of town rather than a nice part of town for the time being. We have a year now to get to know the area and look at our options for possibly buying a home and figuring out which part of this seemingly fun city we wish to reside in for the long term.

Now, I just need to find work!

The economy is definitely different here than in La Jolla, California. The market is different as well. What's an unemployed assistant to do? We shall see.

What an adventure!

Gifting charity

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 17:11:18 -0800

For the last couple of years I have worked for people who have everything they want and I couldn't possibly give them anything on their birthdays, boss appreciation day or the holidays so I decided early on to make donations in their names. One for her and one for him to charities they care about and donate to as well. They seem to really appreciate the thought and sentiments.

After giving it further thought it occurred to me that I would appreciate a gift of a donation just as much as a thoughtful thing purchased or made for me so I did the same for each adult member of my family for Christmas this year. It seemed to go over very well but most of all was the wonderful feeling of doing something positive and helpful for those who need it and hopefully in doing so gave each member of my family the idea that they could do the same for me next year. It's an easy gift to research, just about every person has something they feel compassionately about and most have organizations that are eager to accept donations.

I'm going to use this space to advertise a little for the organization I donated to on behalf of my family, each a different animal, in hopes that it gives others ideas of charity as gifts as well. Each received a certificate of adoption with their name on it which I put in an award folder and information about the animal they adopted. For the younger one's I got the plush animal with theirs as well.

http://www.wildlifeadoption.org/

Defenders of Wildlife

Here is wishing everyone a beautiful 2008.

Unusual homes

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:13:57 -0800

After using all of the ordinary marketing tools such as home magazines and some websites and the random newspaper ads I am wondering if there is something I am missing with marketing an unusual property. It is a rather specific house and will take finding that certain couple who finds it as fabulous as the current owners did when they bought it a few years ago.

Any thinking outside of the box suggestions ???

blog posts

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:04:23 -0700

Just an observation, for whatever reason, it seems rather exhausting to me to go into different groups and find that same list of blogs. I can understand a couple of the groups but it seems like some have a huge list.

Now I am new here so please bare with me but I would think that different blogs would fit different groups or do y'all just kinda link every blog to every group you are a member in? It seems to me that most of the members belong to the same groups, more or less as well so what is the reasoning? Is it a points thing?

Maybe I just need to broaden my group membership a bit more?

NFL nightmare - off topic

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:19:55 -0700

I have been a Denver Bronco fan since the early 1980's and I have to say...they are breaking my heart! Almost every game this season has caused me to almost completely fall out (an expression I learned while living in Florida which completely applies) To fall out is to lose all control of your faculties basically. I was crossing between the falling out and the putting the foot in the tv. I'm so saddened by the lack of finishing the drive. Shanahan has a reputation for gathering great players but I think he needs to calm it down. Give these guys a chance to relax into their game and get comfortable playing with the same members of the team for a season or two. Most of our team wasn't there a year ago?

Not to mention...what are we going to do when our kicker Elam decides to retire?!? He is one of the older players and retirement is not far away, cross my fingers against that happening, EVER!

Ok I had my fit.

I had to get it out, I was so horrified last night I almost threw up and could not react all evening.

I know I know, I'm a Denver fan living in San Diego, what can I say. :)

why am I still a licensed assistant?

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:12:15 -0700

I am often questioned on why I am not a real estate agent. I suppose I could do it and quite possibly would be great at it but it isn't in my bones to follow that career path.

I just love being an assistant. It's what I do best.

Being a real estate agent takes a certain type of personality, being an assistant to that agent takes a completley different personality. As an assistant, I excel in supporting someone I believe in. The realtors I work for are hard working, knowledgeable and generous people whom I have a great deal of respect for. They appreciate me and in doing so I am always happy to do what I can to assist in their success.

There are always ways to improve and with the onset of marketing on the web there are new sites to sign up for and try out. As an assistant I am always learning new things and better ways of doing things, some of which I have learned just since joining AR.

Also, I have a few years of experience working as an reo administrator, that is, coordinating the listing and sale of foreclosed properties nationwide acting on behalf of the bank. So much was absorbed in that position, from working with attorneys for closings, hiring realtors and keeping in constant contact with them, evictions if needed, to reviewing and signing documents as the seller. Once again though, the job was behind the scenes as the Realtor was put in charge of most of the transaction specially since most of them were handled out of state.

Many assistants are in the position to gain training to become an agent themselves, and while I have absolutely nothing against that, in fact I think it's a great idea, still it is not my style. Perhaps I am an enigma in the real estate world?? It feels as if I am sometimes. I wonder if there are other people out there who excel being the support to successful people?

Does it seem like I lack ambition in being happy with the level I have achieved? I don't feel that way, as I expressed it seems like I am constantly growing within this career, yes I said it, career. The different positions have all been learning experiences and gratifying for my Virgo self. I suppose part of it is the balance it allows me to have with my personal life which is something I know is needed for my sanity but perhaps not for others. I know if I pushed more I could achieve more but at what cost and who is to say it woud make me happier? There are a few realtors in the office who do not even make eye contact with assistants. Not a hello in the elevator or a passing nod even yet they play and joke with the office staff interestingly enough. I am such a people watcher.

Those are mostly rhetorical questions I suppose but feel free to comment if you feel so inclined.

I just read the above and realize it reads a bit like a resume, my apologies that was not my intent. It is more of a reflection and personal affirmation towards being happy in this place I am in at the moment.

My questions to the people of AR:

1. Do you have a balance with personal life and business or are you the person who is never satisfied with what they have and striving for the next level? Neither necessarily being wrong, are you basically happy with the place you are in?

2. Do you look down on people who do not have the same or higher level of what you consider achievement or success or ambition for it?

3. Do you treat people who support differently then the people they support? What about the assistant of the agent on the other side of a deal, is that person spoken to with respect?

The reason I asked the last question is because I used to work for a realtor who absolutely hated talking to other agent's assistants and spoke openly to me about it. She hated assistants. Ironically, I was hers and she was appreciative of me. I found that rather odd and some days downright uncomfortable but I kept my peace about it.

Update on the fires-human factor

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:26:52 -0700

Since my previous blog about the fires in SoCal a more personal side to the story has been shared with me and I thought I'd write it down. It kind of brings the human element into the picture.

One of the other Licensed Assistant's in my suite, who I consider a friend, told me that her boyfriend knows the family of the one man who died in the southern-most fire near the border. The family has a nice large plot of land and he used to go down to visit and shoot at targets then crash there overnight. My friend mentioned that she does not know them herself but she wants to do something for the wife. This woman has lost her husband, her house, farm animals probably, and her son is in the hospital undergoing surgeries due to him staying back with his father to try to save their home.

I can't imagine what this woman is going through. My friend mentioned possibly going down to the property to try to salvage some things for her and my boyfriend and I offered to help with that. It will be a difficult task, but a worthy one.

So, I will also ask that anyone who reads this blog to please take a moment and send supportive thoughts and prayers (if you pray) to this woman who is going through so much.

Thank you and be well.

ActiveRain protocol

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:52:49 -0700

I am fairly new to ActiveRain and want to make sure I'm using it correctly and not rubbing anyone wrong with my posts. Is there a protocol or even just a silent rule about who posts comments on forums and blogs? What I mean is that I am a Licensed Assistant and I suppose I'm wondering if it irritates anyone that I have been leaving a few comments on topics. It seems that most of y'all are agents.

Please let me know if I'm crossing the line on posting. I don't want to aggravate anyone and I certainly don't want anyone holding back knowing I'm reading and responding as an assistant.

I appreciate honesty and integrity, so please share your thoughts. I promise I won't be offended, well maybe a little. :) hehe

Thank you,

Diana

The San Diego Inferno!

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:38 -0700

Well it has certainly been an interesting couple of days in Southern California. From Malibu to Mexico the Santa Ana winds are spreading fires like crazy and it isn't looking to end in the next day or two. The numbers in San Diego so far tonight are at least 500 homes lost to the flames not to mention commercial buildings and other structures, some of historic significance. One death and several burns and injuries. My thoughts go to those devastated by the current situation and what will follow in the days to come.

I have lived through Arizona heat, Michigan lake effect blizzards, Georgia freezing rain, hail and slush, tornado close calls, Florida hurricanes, my first earthquake a couple of months ago in California and now the fires. Mother Nature is an interesting force isn't she?

I wonder what effects this will have, immediate and long term.

In Office Assistants?

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:48:27 -0700

Greetings,

I just wanted to jump in and create a post in this group to see if we can create a list of in-office assistants on active rain.

I appreciate the VA's and their thoughts and opinions, tips and such but I'd like to also network with some in-office assistants.

Questions for the in-office assistants in active rain; Are you feeling threatened by the apparent popularity of the virtual assistant? Do you use a VA to delegate some of your duties?

Personally, I am not threatened. I think there is a place for both and in some situations both are used.

Be well,

Diana

Observations and Opinions of a Licensed Real Estate Assistant

Diana Walkosak (Assistant Per Project) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:24:05 -0700

By: Diana Walkosak, Assistant to Peter and Judy Corrente, Prudential CA Realty

The La Jolla/San Diego real estate market: True it is not the incredible market it was a couple of years ago but what most people have forgotten or perhaps didn't know is that the amazing market it was, it was not normal. It was extraordinary. Now, we are getting back into our normal market. San Diego County is still a sought after area and La Jolla remains a remarkable and distinguished part of Southern California which draws buyers and investors to its shores.

The time on the market for homes has increased for the average property. The market is in great shape for the Buyer looking to move into La Jolla so if a Seller is looking to list their property and puts it up for a reasonable list price, they should see offers but consider it may take a couple of months, not the 2 weeks it took in 2005. True, the average sale price has come down slightly but it isn't as drastic as the media is making it out to be. In La Jolla the median sales price for single family homes in 2004 was $1,438,500, in 2005 was $1,750,000 and in 2006 $1,700,000. I'll be curious to see what 2007 averages are. (Statistics gathered from California Title Company)

People in search of a home here are turning towards the internet and finding a lot of information available to them. With the addition of Zillow and Trulia as well as Realtor.com and other sites there is plenty of information to be had in the form of public accessed forums and websites. We have clients tracking statistics online but are wise enough to report what they are finding and ask The Correntes their opinion on it. What some people may not know is that the information is not always up to date nor does it include the human factor so what they think is fully accurate information that they have come by is not necessarily so. Some of the sites rely on the tax assessor's information which isn't updated often enough for the market changes here. While I encourage everyone to do their own research and to educate themselves on the area and the properties available, Buyers and Sellers should seek the professional guidance of a licensed, experienced Realtor now more than ever. Consider the complexity of the contract and numerous disclosures needed for a transaction not to mention the expertise of the marketing and advertising produced through a real estate agent.

I have been in different areas of Real Estate since 1991 and I have had the opportunity to work with some of the finest Realtors in the business and I will always use a realtor and recommend hiring a professional Realtor to everyone I come into contact with. Just the local area and neighborhood expertise alone is enough reason let alone consider the documents, fine print and city/county requirements necessary for a sale.

What does a Realtor do to earn such a commission? Most full time professional Realtors will spend thousands of dollars on advertising per property, give professional advise that has taken years of experience, education and networking to accumulate and provide the coordination of inspections, repairs, maintenance, etc as well as making themselves available to the client weekdays, nights, weekends and often holidays. Being a licensed assistant has provided a unique perspective to see exactly how much a great Realtor will do for each client, often behind the scenes.

La Jolla is a wonderful place and that won't change anytime soon. Chances are there will always be buyers looking to move to our lovely area and with some guidance they will find that fantastic home they've been hoping for and hopefully they'll be smart enough to go through a Realtor to do it.