News, Views, And Insight

How to keep abreast with friends on Facebook like Sheila R.Veloz Breast Imaging Center

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:27:02 -0600

My wife called the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center the other day to schedule her annual Breast Exam. Unbeknownst to her our present insurance carrier did not cover this type of preventive care and so when she was told she would be faced with a $160.00 bill she told the lady on the other line that she didn't realize it would cost that much and would get back with them. Later that day she told me she was holding off from having her breast exam due to the cost. I told her to call back and schedule an appointment anyway and that I would come up with the funds by the time she went in, it was too important.

That afternoon or the following day I am not certain when but I found myself on Facebook and an image came up asking me to be a "friend" or a fan of the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center. It rang a bell because I recently gave a ride to an elderly friend of the family there to have her annual breast exam. So I clicked and became a friend/Fan.

Well apparently the Director of the Sheila R Veloz Center Terry Bucknall received my friend request the name rang a bell because of my wife calling earlier and wouldn't you know it she was just notified that they had recently received funds from a fund-raising event specifically for this type of situations and would be able to cover her costs. Divine intervention? They never want cost to be the determining factor in a womans well being.

She notified my wife through Facebook to call her. My wife calls me says what did you put on Facebook the director of the center wants to talk to me says she may be able to help me? "I don't know" I said "I think I became a friend or fan why?" I'll call you later. Well Terry at the center told my wife that her costs were covered and that all she would have to come up with the day of her appointment is the $10.00 co-pay. My wife was blown away. She had recently chastised me for spending too much time on Facebook. I replied "See, has my time been a total waste?" (Between you and me she was right) But don't tell her I said that!! However I have taken measures to manage my time on line since this posting.

But the point is that Facebook, Twitter, etc... is just another way to connect with other people. It does not replace meeting people and interacting physically with them. Those that dismiss these vehicles have valid points however they miss the relationships that are created as a result. Case in point my later meeting with Terry Bucknall while accompanying my wife at her appointment is a direct result of Facebook and reaching out to others. I wanted to meet in person and thank Terry and all those who contribute financially and with there time to this cause. This small act of kindness has instilled in me a wanting to give back to this organization and overall cause. With that said I am coordinating a fund-raising event with the www.thevipcard.com and once approved will launch in November of this year. So stay tuned... because breast cancer awareness is not only in October but year in and year out.

Video of Terry Bucknall Feb 2008

The views, thoughts, and opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent.

Teen safe rides home can help your teenager get home safely

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:44:08 -0500

Do you have a teen driver? Many of us do, my oldest just turned sixteen and is in the process of getting her driver's license. She also shared ironically how some of her friends had been drinking the night before and it was a wake up call for me to not only make this a teachable moment for her and I, but also with other parents like you. Now I know your "precious" would never be involved in any of these activities however in the event they slip up here are some valuable resources and unfortunately lessons we all need to take a moment and reflect on. I came a cross a few resources today and was reminded of some others in the past that I would like to share with you.

I attended the National Teen Driving Safety Fair being held here in Santa Clarita at Central Park today sponsored by the city of Santa Clarita, Safe rides for teens, The Auto Club, Fire, and Sheriff departments.

Safe rides for teens had a booth and I would recommend you have your teen put their number on their cell phone in the event they are ever faced with having to get home and their only option available is having to drive home with an intoxicated teen driver 661-259-6330 Their website is www.scvsaferides.com/

I saw this resourceful sign on a parents car.

On a more somber note there are the physical reminders of the decisions and outcomes of those decisions as well as the final outcomes. Please take a few minutes to learn "Know more" about the Youth Grove in Central Park.

I love my kids and their friends and I am certain that you do too. Take the time to go over these resources and share them with your teen and make the vow to "Know More".

"Know More".

"Our children are our most precious gifts.

They are sons and daughters, sisters, and brothers, loved ones and friends.

Vow today that...

No more will lose their lives because we drive too fast.

No more will die because we drive under the influence.

No more will perish because we lapse in attention for just one moment.

No more will be lost because reckless acts on the road.

Join us in a cry that NO MORE names will be added to this memorial.

No More." - Author Unknown

Additional photos of the event can be found by clicking here

Do you have a family? Want to see them again!

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:01:48 -0500

Do you have a family? Not one of the first thoughts that came to mind when I found myself stranded on the side of the 210 freeway the other day. But I was asked that question point blank by a total stranger I just met on the side of the road. So what led up to this chance encounter you might ask or wonder. Well I was driving back from Chino Hills on my way back to Santa Clarita when I began to feel a mild vibration in the car. I began to reason is the road bumpy or is my car out of alignment as the vibration began to get stronger and finally it became quite apparent when my front driver side tire violently disintegrated in a matter of seconds. I was forced to quickly pull over to the side of the freeway to avoid getting into an accident or losing control, but my first thought was ironically not to damage the wheel once the tire went flat.

I now regretted not keeping up my triple A card membership how often do I use that I asked myself the last time it came up for renewal. I rarely use this card (Bad mistake) Oh well, I know how to change a tire so here goes. As I reached into the rear trunk of my car I kept imagining a semi coming up from behind and sandwiching me between the two of them and other similar tragic scenarios. Serves me right for watching all those car chases and car crashing shows on television regularly. So as I began to loosen the nuts on my tire, the cars and notably semi's would woosh by coming within inches of me as I worked away to get this tire off. I would look up from time to time to gauge the drivers but if anyone of them veered off a tad I would be toast no matter what stunt I had envisioned doing over the hood to escape being hit.

Of course the tire nuts were on so tight I was straining to remove them and taking my eyes off of the speeding cars when I look up to find a tow truck parking right behind me. The driver is shaking his head back and forth (like a disappointed father) apparently not very impressed with my roadside tire changing abilities. He motioned me to come to his passenger side door and as I approached and he rolled down his window and asked "Do you have a family?" "Yes" I answered, he replied "want to see them again?" "Of course" I replied, "then I suggest you let me tow you off the freeway somewhere safer to finish changing that tire?" Of course I have to ask "how much is this going to cost" aside from saving my life (he was probably thinking to himself) Nothing, nada, zippo. "Really" I replied "lets roll"

So he in turn tows my car off the freeway and changes the tire for me. While doing so he shared with me what he has seen along the highway and most of it was pretty sad as to how many lives are taken from just a simple act of changing a tire. I have to thank the big guy upstairs for bringing one of his angels to save me from myself that day on the highway. I know now that there is this roadside assistance here in Los Angeles County that I remember reading about a while back, but now know and experienced first hand. All I had to do that day was dial #399 it's a free service funded by the Metropolitan Transit Service. So I guess if you have a family or other reason for living I suggest you give them a call and leave the risk taking to those who know what they are doing. When you see these guys give them a BRAKE will you.

How to Achieve Rockstar status in your Industry

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:24:35 -0500

I recently attended Craig Duswalt's 3 day bootcamp at the Renaissance Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. What an incredible experience and event. I learned decades worth of material and expertise during this event. If you are a small or not so small business owner this is an event you do not want to miss so go to his website at www.craigduswalt.com to attend his next event. Craig and his guest speakers Tom Antion, Mari Smith, James Malinchak, Mike Koenigs and covered all aspects of how to market yourself and a successful business.

Glenn Morshower reminded us to laugh and not take life so seriously and a few unorthodox ways on how to prepare for an interview (Hilarious) and to most importantly stop and listen for the "Whisper" Mark Eddie what can I say, This guy is flat out funny!!!

For those of you who do not know Craig, He's a professional speaker and the creator and author of Craig Duswalt's RockStar System For Success - How to Achieve RockStar Status in Your Industry.

Craig used to tour with Guns N' Roses, as Axl Rose's personal manager, and Air Supply, as the band's personal assistant. Craig uses his backgrounds in both music and marketing, and teaches numerous ways to save small businesses thousands on marketing and advertising; and how to become perceived as a celebrity and an expert in your business where potential clients will come to you instead of you having to go after them.

I learned how to utilize effectively on line social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook and how to incorporate them into my marketing plan. I also learned how to write a book in 30 days and all of the resources I would need to do so and why it is one of the best ways to differentiate yourself from your peers. I also learned how to use technology to springboard my marketing campaigns with little effort utilizing the tools from his toolbox. Vraif

Other credits Craig has accomplished include being an award-winning copywriter, has his own ad agency, Green Room Design & Advertising, which was named the 2002 Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. Craig and his wife, Natasha, co-own Peak Models & Talent, a modeling and talent agency based in Los Angeleswith more than 1,000 clients and representing more than 300 models and actors. Part of Peak Models & Talent's success I learned is directly attributed to using the techniques of Craig Duswalt's RockStar System For Success.

A Multi talented guy and all around down to earth good guy. "Nice guys finish first" contrary to what the world will tell you. Find out for yourself.

All comments and opinions are strictly my own and do not represent those of the entities I represent.

The L.A. Marathon 2009 All things are possible

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:33:07 -0500

All things are possible to one who believes - Mark 9.23

The recent journey Jun and I embarked on can be summed up in one word REMARKABLE!

Our journey began a few months ago back at our Saturday morning bible study I learned from Jun Subaniaro that he as was running regularly throughout Santa Clarita on the local trails. I wanted to take my recent weight loss of 45 pounds (Story in itself) to the next level and begin a disciplined training routine. I decided to join Jun and Rich Hall who were running regularly on their own during the week and meeting on Saturday mornings to run together. There were some early freezing mornings when I did not want to get up but I had made a commitment to be there every Saturday and I was going to stick to it as best as I could. During these runs we would share some of our challenges, the Word and how God was working in our lives. It was more than just running it was fellowship.

Jun had a vision, he wanted to share the Word and create a running ministry to represent Valencia Hills Church in Califonia. He stated one of the first events we should prepare for is the L.A. Marathon. Wow! I'm thinking isn't that 26 MILES!! The Lord spoke refer to Mark 9.23.

Over the course of a few months as the marathon neared, a series of events began to challenge this group of 3 and seriously threaten our goal of just getting to the marathon let alone doing it. . Rick began having some physical challenges that limited his ability to run and then the final blow Jun seriously sprained his ankle and had informed me it was likely he would not participate as well. Jun said "It looks like your going to represent us brother" wait a minute you are the guy that's been running for years I was supposed to be supporting you in your dream not the other way around! I had my doubts especially when the furthest I had ever run was 19 miles and I struggled to accomplish that! a marathon is 26 miles. But Jun encouraged me and said "if you could run 19 miles than 26 miles is a piece of cake". In fact I am going to go with you, I will ride my bike alongside of you supporting you all the way (Unbeknowst to both of us they would not allow that) That's when I read this scripture 2 Timothy 1.7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline" In the meantime Jun made up some shirts for us to wear to run in with the following scripture John 14.6 "I am the` way, and the truth, and the life" Team Jesus

As race day was fast approaching I had slipped up on my training I had thought that maybe we would focus more on the upcoming Santa Clarita Marathon in November but Jun would ask "Are you ready, are you still wanting to do this?, You don't, if you don't want to?" But I said "Yes, but my goal will be simply to finish whether it takes me all day and into the night I will finish this race!

A couple of days before race day, and Jun called me and said "I'm going to run with you bro my wife is not happy w/me but I feel I can do this. I prayed about it and asked God to heal my ankle so that I can participate". Praise God, next thing I know his ankle was fine, no pain, no swelling, and Jun and I began to fulfill his dream.

It's race day and Jun and I are amongst just under 15 thousand participants the adrenaline is pumping thru are veins and the excitement is incredible the news media is everywhere helicopters covering the event and thousands watching locally and millions watching worldwide. What do you think the odds are of running into a fellow brother in this huge crowd? Good we ran into Russ from our church who is a regular participant to these events. We encouraged each other and prepared for the start of the race. The announcement was made and we were off but why are we walking well with all of the people ahead of us it took us about two or three blocks to get to the starting line but our times are not recorded until we pass the starting mark. We have a microchip attached to our shoes to register the time we begin and throughout the course to the finish (pretty cool!)

As we crossed Jun was like a Wild Mustang who was kept in a corral for a day or two "whoa brother at this pace I won't make it past the 1st mile mark let alone 25 more!!" We kept a steady pace and shared our excitement of the event (our first marathon) and all that we were experiencing we were in the event we had talked so much about it was no longer a far fetched dream but a reality. Several bystanders would encourage us throughout our run during every stretch of the course.

Along the route we came across a group who had a "pace leader" they were about 15 people following her, with all of the excitement we had not strategized how we were going to pace ourselves so I asked the leader at their current pace when they anticipated they would cross the finish line. She said " 5.30 I joked 5:30 P.M. no she said 5 hours and 30 minutes' I asked Jun lets run alongside of them this way we only have to focus on getting there, they can do all the time management for us. As we got to the halfway point (16 miles) one of the groups runners tripped and toppled to the pavement and a couple of the team stopped to help " She yelled back "let her go she will be fine get back in formation" Jun slowed to help but some spectators were helping her so we pressed on. Jun said to me "wow she sure has a lot of compassion"

As we passed the 13 mile mark (halfway point) Jun said "we are doing great brother at this pace we will get there no doubt within 6 hours. I was encouraged but I was uncertain if I could keep the current pace. I told Jun that my thighs and calves were beginning to burn and were starting to stiffin up. We continued running and we approached the 18 mile marker I began to run out of gas at the same time we were slipping behind our pace team and as I watch them slowly fade from view I started to get a little discouraged but kept it to myself. I had said nothing to this point but I was about to ask Jun to continue on and that I was going to walk from this point on. I reasoned the furthest I had gone was 19 miles before this race and I was reaching that point. This middle age gal putting along had a shirt with an image of Jesus on her back no matter where we were, we would come across her throughout the course. Was God reminding me to focus on him? I'm serious she kept popping out of nowhere and Jun saw her too so it was not my imagination.

Then out of the blue Jun began to ask me questions to refocus on my strength (The Word) What's your favorite verse bro" I struggled to put a thought together (long pause) as I gathered a thought, I rambled a couple of verses so he knew I knew some and I paraphrased 2 Timothy 1.7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love , and of self discipline" everything I was experiencing at the moment. But I misquoted the book and mentioned 1 Corinthians (Forgive me Lord) We had been sharing our lives and fellowshipping along the way, but I had shut down for sometime to focus solely on running thanks to Jun for refocusing my thoughts. He could see I was struggling at this juncture I told him "go ahead I'll catch up with you later" he said "no way Bro we are in this together." He would not leave my side a sharp contrast to the gal and her team earlier my well being was more important to Jun than the "prize"

We had to stop to stretch and we continued on. We began to make small goals along the way let's run to that light signal and walk a short distance than pick up after that light" We were now entering uncharted territory both Jun and I had not run into the 20 mile and beyond realm before. How's are time Jun? "We can still make it Bro let's press on", We stopped for a brief moment to get sprayed with this solution that kills the pain in your legs (it worked) and we pressed on, we could now see the downtown skyline it looked so far away. I thought to myself we have to run all they way there, no way!! As we ran most of the participants in the twenty mile zone and beyond were now walking as we ran in between them. We saw several people along the way limping and sitting along the route in pain and unable to continue. I no longer felt pain but a renewed determination to reach that finish line under the 6 hour mark. After the 6 hour mark your times are not recorded.

We pressed on passed the 23 mile mark and I thought to myself we are actually going to make it and right at that moment Jun uttered "Bro I am cramping up im going to have to stop" In a brief instance I thought it was over!, well so much for that goal of finishing under 6 hours. The new goal is back to what we had originally planned and that was to just finish. Would I need to help Jun walk from this point? We were so close, so be it, whatever the outcome I am not crossing that finish line without my brother. So Jun began to stretch and massage his calves.for a minute or two and he said "I'm feeling better "Lets go" I said "Are you sure, how's the ankle? good bro let's go" I asked him "how's our time" he said "if we continue at our current pace we'll make it". I proposed let's run the final two miles all the way no stops" Jun said o.k bro, let's do it!

Those last two miles were the toughest two miles I had ever run I kept reasoning two miles that is nothing! yet those last two miles felt like 26 we were now entering the downtown area finally in the home stretch where is the finish line banner? It finally came to view it looked like it was 10 miles away, now we were amongst the crowd cheering us on "you can do it, keep going" I was sooo tempted to stop and walk a short distance but how could you do that in the final stretch suck it up, press on. In the last 20 yards before the finish I yelled to Jun "finish strong" brother "Finish strong"and we sprinted the last stretch full throttle to the finish line. An incredible rush of excitement, accomplishment filled me with emotion Thank you Lord. We did it, we made it to the finish line!!! We congratulated each other in amazement how God brought us to this point and that we had made it under 6 hours 5.49 to be exact. No blisters, no ankle pain, no chaffing, etc... Praise God we give all the glory to God without him there is no glory.

Thank you Jun for your vision, your fellowship, your determination, your encouragement, your love, your friendship and your leadership brother. Without you I would not have had this experience or these memories. It was an honor running with you Bro.

When you join a bible study or get plugged in with other brothers in Christ you never know what journey you and your brothers may embark in for the Lord's glory The Lord had a mission for Jun and I and that was to be visible Ambassadors for Christ, did you learn anything from this experience? if you did, Mission Accomplished.

I believe "All things are possible to one who believes" - Mark 9.23

California Real Estate Market Talk March 2009

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:43:54 -0500

Current statistics for the California real estate market are as follows:

The number of sales for March throughout the state for both condos and homes totaled 36,216 up 23.9 percent from the same period last year. That's the good news, however of those sales 57% were foreclosed properties compared to 35% the year before. The good news is this inventory is being absorbed. The bad news is it is artificially dropping prices of homes. The good news is that this increases home affordability thus more people qualify to buy a home. The bad news is if your a homeseller trying to sell your home competing with real estate owned (REO) or foreclosed homes which in many cases are lower in price compared to the typical arms length transaction.

Some additional local stats

Los Angeles county for the month of March sold 5,793 properties in March at a year to year average price difference of -35%

Santa Clarita dropped -24%

Stevenson Ranch -47%

So the bottom line is the news can be good or bad depending on where your at in the real estate equation. If I were thinking of buying I would stop thinking and start acting, this is the time to sieze a good bargain when people are more apt to negotiate and work with you. As the market begins to shore up you will lose the psychological advantage of gloom and doom in the market so buy now when the bargains prevail.

If you would like to know what is going on in your specific neighborhood in terms of statistics and real estate related activity contact our office at 661.713.1749 or e-mail me at pablo@fastappraisals4u.com

FastAppraisals4u.com is a local Real Estate Appraisal firm working throughout the Los Angeles County area. We specialize in the Appraisal of single family homes and can be found on the web at www.fastappraisals4u.com

Source: Dataquick

Traveling with Mr Johnson Pisgah Crater California

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:58:30 -0600

Traveling with Mr Johnson Our first adventure Pisgah Crater California

Well for those of you who were not aware of my first post I wrote about how I regretted not taking advantage of the opportunities throughout the year to travel with Mr Johnson with my oldest daughter. I won't bore you with all the gory details, but if you want to know what it's like to be a parent and not go on these adventures read the following Traveling with Mr Johnson

For those of you who plan to travel with Mr Johnson take a lesson from me.

One of my personal goals this year was to spend more time with my family. Now I talk a good talk about what I should be doing , but am I walking the walk?. I knew exactly what I needed to do this year and that was to make better choices with how I spend my time, especially when it comes to my daughters.

Well that opportunity came up this year as my middle daughter came up to me and mentioned she had Mr Johnson as her history teacher! And that he was planning a trip to the local lava tubes. Lava Tubes? Thank God for second chances there is no way I am missing out on this trip. What day is it? Let me check my calendar, That date falls on the third day of a three day How to achieve rock star status in your business seminar I am attending

I had a decision to make do I attend the last day of the seminar or spend the day with my daughter and Mr Johnson. Well as you will soon learn I made the right decision this time around. I understand from those I later spoke with in attendance at the seminar that the last day was great but not as great as spending time with my daughter!

Our first adventure this year took us to Pisgah Crater just past Barstow off of Interstate 40. I often thought that this stretch was always going through some sort of burned brush clearing but a closer look exposes that this area is covered with black lava. Unfortunately the original crater is being mined and is losing it's original form for various related products such as the lava rocks you use in your barbeques, and other similar uses.

Just a rock throw below from the crater lies the lava tubes, these are crawl spaces and underground caves created from the lava that once poured from this crater some estimated 2000 years ago a milisecond in this arena. It's pretty cool to be crawling through these tunnels and rock formations created out of lava thousands of years ago. If you haven't been to this location I recommend it. Just make sure you wear a miners type headpiece or bikers light some old clothes gloves and a bikers helmet and your good to go. I was amazed at the number of participants that joined us on this trip literally a hundred or more parents and there kids combined.

I have to admit I was not dissapointed this being my maiden trip and a great start for the year!. Looking forward to the next adventure with my daughter, her classmates, and of course Mr Johnston

Excerpts from "When I look back at my child's first year at Rancho Pico Jr High, My biggest regret was not traveling w/ mr Johnson.

"Sure I attended all of the open houses and other similar activities, but I missed out on all of those after school adventures "traveling with Mr Johnson" which I could have attended had I planned things better. These are missed opportunities to spend "Quality" time with my child doing something I absolutely love. That is exploring, and in addition to that, exploring with a teacher who shares the love of the outdoors and it's history. Something I have all but abandoned in my "Pursuit of happiness"

We live in a valley full of it's own rich history (Santa Clarita Historical Society), we need to dig deeper to appreciate what is right here in our own backyard here in Santa Clarita, California. Make it a point to visit Mr Johnson's personal website http://www.mrjohnson.org/ whether you have a student or not. It is a wealth of local historical information and activities. If you do have a student that is enrolling in 7^th grade this coming year be sure to get involved and take advantage of "traveling with Mr Johnson". Plan and make the time to share these learning experiences with your child and learn more about the person who is helping shape your children's views of history. Don't make the same mistake I did.

Note to Mr Johnson, You have rekindle the adventurer I once was as a child and young adult, and I hope to pass this on to my children. Thank you, for reminding me of this, may you continue to be an adventurer and never lose sight of that voyage....

An Extraordinary Act of Kindness at Newhall Bicycle Shop

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:08:41 -0600

I was reading the "The Signal" our local community newspaper this last Friday Nov 28, 2008 and came across an article entitled "Giving, and giving thanks"

The article was about a local business owner (Roger Hasper) and his wife (Shannon) and how they transformed the back parking lot of there bicycle shop into a Thanksgiving feast for hundreds (Approximately 300).

Here is a local business man called to give back to his community. Why? he's asked, because "Matthew 25:35 tells you what to do" Here is an example of Faith in action, qouting scripture, an extraordinary act of kindness one man's way of giving back to his community.

I don't know about you but next time I think of buying a bike or biking accessory I won't be thinking of some large national chain. I'll be visiting our local heroes Roger and Shannon at their bicycle shop here in Newhall. God Bless you guys!!!

May the source be with you.

All Rights Reserved Pablo Santibanez Copyright 2008

Overinsured? This particular practice is illegal in California

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:04:39 -0500

Does this sound familar? You just bought a home it's days before closing and you get that last minute call, it's the lender!. They tell you, the underwriter reviewed your loan and everything looks O.K. But ... your home insurance policy you just bought is noit enough coverage. You respond back in panic "But that's what the insurance agent said it would cost to replace my home! " "You need to have at least the same amount of insurance coverage as your loan amount in order to close on time" your lender warns. You don't want to lose your rate lock due to a delay and you certainly don't want to delay escrow! Remember theres the movers, etc... So you call your insurance agent, and they do as you say. What's wrong with this picture?

PLENTY!!!! IT IS ILLEGAL to require your client get coverage to cover the loan amount in CALIFORNIA !!! and in most states!. What is illegal about it? Making you get insurance above and beyond the cost to replace your home in the event of fire or other catastrophic event that is covered by your policy. Irregardless of what your home is worth the cost to replace it has no connection to your loan amount. Let me repeat this the cost to replace your home has no connection to your loan amount. As I review clients policies I run into this practice more often than I like. A few (small minority) of insurance agents intentionally pull a "sargeant shultz" I know nothing and turn away as it is in their financial interest to overinsure their clients. Most don't and I have made it a personal crusade to educate my clients on how to address this with their lender to get reimbursed for the overpayment of premiums. That alone has saved my clients from hundred's to thousands of dollars they overpaid before I even discuss my new insurance proposal and what we can do for them .

A warning to consumers, if your agent simply does what you tell him/her, and only focuses on the price of your insurance premium. Run! You are getting what you paid for NADA, Zippo.

Your Insurance agent should be an advocate on your behalf and educate you on these types of issues.

Do you love your Insurance agent?

When you get that reimbursement check you will.

May the source be with you

All comments, opinions, expressed are simply my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent as an Independent Agent.

Caringbridge a Caring bridge to the world

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:55:01 -0500

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind. - Simon and Garfunkel

My brother in law Dan Gallagher was recently diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia a rare blood disorder which damages your bone marrow. Your bone marrow stops producing new red blood cells which places you at a higher risk of infection and uncontrolled bleeding. His symptoms began unassumingly by his feeling a little sluggish and then he began bruising rather easily throughout his body. A visit to the doctor, a diagnoses, and he is now being treated at the City of Hope in Duarte California. This all happened literally from one day to the next!.

Your whole life and those you love is overturned in a blink of an eye how do you let those you love know without setting up a literal telethon to communicate to family and friends. Limiting vists so as to not disturb Dan as he tries to get some much needed rest after treatment, and the medications to continue the fight.

The task is overwhelming but now manageable thanks to Caringbridge.com

Caringbridge.com provides families with critically ill family members with a free website to communicate well wishes, love, and encouragement. It keeps everyone in the "loop and it keeps everyone from feeling isolated from the patient on down to everyone else.

I wanted to thank the founder Sona Mehring who created the site as it has given my sister Pam an outlet to communicate with everyone. Being able to update us all as to Dan's recovery and to see all of the well wishes from friends and family is uplifting.

The picture above illustrates a bridge "My analogy" (caringbridge) leading to a lighthouse. That lighthouse to me symbolizes how the lord is using Dan to shine for those who are lost.

To visit Dan's site click on Dan's Caringbridge site

You may know someone who could use a site like this?

To learn more about caringbridge go to www.caringbridge.com

If you would like to donate to caringbridge use this as your search engine and the advertisers will pay caringbridge each time you use it. Click the "goodsearch" icon below to see what I mean.

May the source be with you

Hope They Built This City On It The City of Hope Duarte California

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:16:28 -0500

My brother in law Dan Gallagher began bruising all over a few weeks ago, as if he had been in the "Octagon" participating in an ultimate fighting match. After visiting a specialist at the City of Hope in Duarte California he was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia a rare blood disorder.

He is now for the past few weeks in bed in the hospital undergoing various treatments and will need to remain there for some time. We are talking a very active athletic guy who's life is literally changed from one day to the next. As a patient at the City of Hope he is undergoing alternative treatment as no bone marrow was found within his family that matched his.

To give you a better understanding of this disorder. Let me briefly explain the role of blood in our bodies. Our bodies have a variety of blood cells running through our bloodstream namely red blood cells which carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, and platelets which causes our blood to clot.

Bone marrow is a red spongy material found within our bones which produce blood cells that enter our blood stream. Bone marrow needs to produce new blood cells to replace the old that your body uses and absorbs. Red blood cells live on average 120 days, platelets 7 days, and white blood cells usually a day.

Those that suffer from Aplastic Anemia do so as a result of damage which occurs to the bone marrow which stops the production of new blood cells. This places you at a higher risk of infection and uncontrolled bleeding.

There is no known cause although exposure to benzene found in gasoline and as a paint stripping product may have a link as well as other exposure such as pesticides or insecticides.

So why am I sharing this with you? I need your help, most importantly we need your prayers. My Brother in law is a great dad, a loving husband to my sister and a good friend, the kind of friend you would all like to have. He is also a man with Hope so it is fitting that he can be found in the "City of Hope" in Duarte California. He is a man of Faith in his Creator and loves God. He is a light that shines in that hospital and is a faithful servant.

So I'm asking the internet community of believers to take a moment and lift up this brother that he may serve the Lord as he was created and intended to. Say a prayer for my Brother in law Dan Gallagher and let him know that we are all with them, all his brothers and sisters in Christ globally.

Dan's more in depth story, well wishes, and guestbook can be found at this link City of Hope Dan Gallagher

Be careful what you wish for, it could come true?

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:24:05 -0500

I don't know about you but I remember a few years back saying to myself. My kids have such an entitlement attitude when did this all happen? They have no idea how lucky they are living here in the SCV. I began sounding like every other parent as I shot back at the snotty new teens who had kidnapped my kids in the back seat. "I had to walk to school when I was a kid. I had to walk back, and forth to school 10 miles each way, barefooted, on broken glass, uphill, and that was on a good day! I would thank my parents each day for providing me with an opportunity for a great education! So stop whining about the air not being on high enough as we drive to the mall for crying out loud!

I remember thinking to myself how are my kids ever going to learn the "All American work ethic and that everything in life is not just handed to you in this town as we came to a stop? My thought process was interrupted by "But so and so, has this and so and so has that? Blah, Blah, Blah Where did I go wrong and how am I going to instill those types of values in my kids?. You know there is a price for those "priceless moments on those T.V. commercials! How are they ever going to experience that? I wish there was a way I could teach them this valuable trait.

Well as luck would have it with the downturn in the Real Estate Market I got my wish! As my income began to drop like my gas gauge on "empty" I began a new career as a result and although this lesson was supposed to be for my girls somehow I got thrown into the mix as well. As our possessions are slowly being peeled away month by month, week by week I am served up a daily dose of humble pie. Quite frankly I probably needed a slice or two but I'm good, no really that is enough pie big guy. I got the message, can I go back to how things were now, I think they got it now? Lesson learned, so whats up with this mirror?

You may have run into my twin who frequents the local WalMart and the 99 cent store now. If you see him tell him I said Hi , Oh and that middle aged fat guy mowing the front lawn around the short sale sign with a push mower down the street who you thought was the gardener to begin with a few years back . I understand he's on a new health kick just trying to lose some additional weight. The good news is I am not going through this alone folks oops did I say I?, all is not lost however. The good news is I have the good news and that there is hope and there is light at the other end of the tunnel. I know what your thinking, he's delusional or in denial. Survey says.... No! This is one of those teachable moments we get in life we can either squander it in disappointment and despair, or be grateful that we are given an opportunity to grow in faith. Get up, dust ourselves off, and get back into the race. At least in this story my girls will have the benefit of actually experiencing this first hand rather than my slightly exaggerated walk to school story. O.K. Totally exaggerated walk to school story who's counting! Hope they learn something from all of this I certainly have. Stay tuned for the rest of the story...

How are things shaking for you?

May the source be with you.

All thoughts, views, opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent as an independent agent.

Do you love your agent? All Rights Reserved Pablo Santibanez Copyright 2008

Fight back pass it on!

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:44:43 -0500

My father-in law asked me to share with you all, a way in which we can fight back against the high price of oil. He was told of an effort being waged by consumers today to force the oil companies to lower their prices. Before I begin I am all about free markets and supply and demand. The government no matter who is in office won't do what needs to be done to curtail oil prices by encouraging other alternative solutions there is too much at stake for them to really intervene. Sure they have these pathetic photo op hearings they bring the heads of these giant oil companies slap the top of their hands while the cameras are rolling and then slap a high five once there off. I'm sorry for my brief moment of cynicism but there is hope, and what I am about to share may be the temporary solution to this problem. The good news is that alternative fuels now have a foothold to be further developed as oil is no longer the cheaper alternative.

So what can we do as consumers to fight back? Some have suggested that we not buy gas for one day. That wont have an impact and it's just unrealistic to think that everyone will be able to do so, and do it on that specific day. Not going to happen. The following was sent to me as a possible and more importantly doable and practical solution to this. This may be the way to remove our necks from the noose the gas hose has around it choking the life out of our pocketbooks!

" Please read on and join with us!

By now you're probably thinking gasoline priced at about $2.00 is super cheap. Me too! It is currently $4.29 for regular unleaded in my town. Now that the oil companies and the OPEC nations have conditioned us to think that the cost of a gallon of gas is CHEAP at $1.50 - $1.75, we need to take aggressive action to teach them that

BUYERS control the marketplace. .. Not the Sellers! With the price of gasoline going up more each day, WE, THE CONSUMERS, MUST TAKE ACTION!

The only way we are going to see the price of gas come down is if we hit someone in the pocketbook by not purchasing their gas! And, we can do that WITHOUT hurting ourselves.

How? Since we all rely on our cars, we can't just stop buying gas. But we CAN have an impact on gas prices if we all act together to force a price war.

Here's the PLAN: For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY gasoline from the two biggest companies (which now are one), EXXON and MOBIL. And under no circumstances buy from CITCO. (CITGO is owned by Hugo Chavez, the dictator of Venezuela, and an enemy of the US) If they are not selling any gas, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit.

But to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of Exxon and Mobil gas buyers. It's really simple to do! Now, don't wimp out on me at this point...keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!!

If each of us send it to at least ten more (30 x 10 = 300) ... And those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 = 3,000)...and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth group of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers. If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted!

If it goes one level further, you guessed it..... THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!! Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people. That's all!

Please, do it now!!! If you don't understand how we can reach 300 million and all you have to do is send this to 10 people.... I am a mathematician. So trust me on this one.

How long would all that take? If each of us sends this e-mail out to ten more people within one day of receipt, all 300 MILLION people could conceivably be contacted within the next 8 days !!! I'll bet you didn't think you and I had that much potential, did you! Acting together we can make a difference. If this makes sense to you, please pass this message on. I suggest that we not buy from EXXON/MOBIL UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES TO THE $2.00 RANGE AND KEEP THEM DOWN. THIS CAN REALLY WORK. We may have to hit SHELL & BP too! But let's send a message to Mobil/Exxon First! Remember, they are the ones that brag about their $40,000,000, 000.00 PROFIT LAST YEAR. Friends, That's FORTY BILLION OF OUR AMERICAN DOLLARS! It's TRUE; one of the American Dreams is to have a profitable business. However, Energy is the blood of the American economy. For this company to destroy our economy and put the hardship on its fellow citizens is just UN-AMERICAN and pure simple GREED! This is totally unacceptable!

What do you think? Will you TAKE ACTION to "pass it on Do you have a better idea? Or will you just grin and bear it? Let's give this a try and see what happens?

May the source be with you

The thoughts, views, opinions, are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent as an Independent Agent.

Do you love your agent? Some Rights Reserved Pablo Santibanez Copyright 2008

Who's got your back when your child is faced with insurmountable odds?

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:32:26 -0500

As a Parent we are called upon to lead our children along in life, to guide them, protect them, and to provide life sustaining nourishment.

I was introduced to this video over the weekend at a men's retreat. On the surface it is your typical "National Geographic type video reinforcing the natural order of wildlife. But sometimes the order of things or outcome can be changed when you take a different approach to life. A nature paradigm shift? The symbolism found within this video is quite incredible as I relate it to life and it's challenges. But before I share my own insights please view the video in it's entirety. The images are disturbing, but so relevant to what I am about to share with you, so watch it in it's entirety there is a "Happy ending. Once you have viewed the video below read on below.

As I watched the buffalo I couldn't help but relate this video to my own life. As a parent my job is to lead the way and provide my kids with life sustaining nourishment both spiritually and physically and to protect them from harm. Along the path of life there are life's predators lurking in the brush. You can become an easy target trying to do things all on your own. It's easy to get distracted to take your eye of the ball. When you see the warning signs or the danger itself do you still proceed forward and pretend it's not there to quench your thirst anyway possibly endangering their lives? What do we do when these forces pounce on those we love and devour them in front of our eyes as we run or stand helplessly by (it could be drugs, or other destructive influences, etc). What would you do if your child's faced with the baby buffalo's insurmountable odds. Would you watch or stand by in horror as a loved one is in the clutch of death being smothered to death in the powerful jaws of a lion, and just when you think that's bad enough an alligator appears out of nowhere and joins the attack on your child. How can your child battle all of these odds alone as you stand helplessly by in fear while this is going on. Do you just throw your arms up as parents, lose hope, blame God, and give up on a "lost cause. I'm too late, all is lost, I have lost my child or loved one to the lions I am powerless to do anything about it. I'm afraid, what could I do, it's obviously hopeless? How can I alone release my child from the grip and slow suffocation of these powerful forces?

Fortunately there are groups of "buffalo warriors we can rely on to help fend off attacks from the jaws of death. More importantly we can have a relationship with God. We are not alone when faced with insurmountable odds. A group of men meet every Saturday morning to discuss how to be a better Father, a better Husband, a stronger man. We share good news, where the safer watering holes are, and come to the aid of those who are in trouble. It is never too late, all is not lost, there is no insurmountable obstacle or odds that cannot be overcome. It is not weak to band together and overcome these obstacles as you witnessed, you can be bold, strong, take things head on, and overcome all challenges we face in life when someone has your back. Do you presently have the means, the resources to send a lion running in fear? It may not always be a happy ending in life. You can do it, but you can't do it alone. Who's got your back?

May the source be with you.

The thoughts, views, opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent as an Independent Agent.

Do you love your agent? All Rights Reserved Pablo Santibanez Copyright 2008

Got M.I.L.K ?

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:29:12 -0500

The first thing that probably comes to mind is a funny commercial or someone with a white mustache but this M.I.L.K. stands for Managing Information on Lost Kids. Everyday, parents think it can never happen to them. Yet everyday it happens, a child is reported missing in the U.S.

Here are some sobering statistics. According to a 2002 study from the Department of Justice over 797,000 children (under18) go missing in the U.S. each year. An average of 2,185 children are reported missing everyday! 40% of parents of a missing child cannot supply a current picture. 34% of parents do not know their child's correct height, weight, and eye color.

Our local office in Valencia has partnered up with M.I.L.K www.milkdigitalid.com to supply local parents with this vital tool which has been called the first step in the Amber Alert We usually provide a booth at local events here in the SCV but parents can also drop by our local Valencia district office.

Here's how it works, a digital picture CD is taken of your child, software, along with a fingerprint kit.. The photo is directly burned to a CD given to the parents (No copy is made) We can help install the software at your home or a time is set up to pick up the software if we are out of stock. Every 6 months, the software on your computer will remind you to update the photo and information in the Digital ID

The photo, fingerprint kit, and software is free, and there is no obligation to obtain it.

If the unthinkable were to ever happen the information can be forwarded to local authorities and the National Center for Missing and Exploited children. Rapidly distributing a current photo can be the difference between a fast recovery and a prolonged search. Should a person become lost or missing, with just a click, the Digital ID can be printed or sent via email to proper authorities and forwarded to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) or the National Center for Missing Adults (NCMA).
This identification information can then be broadcast to over 17,600 police departments and the vast database of NCMEC Poster Partner Program members.

May the source be with you

The thoughts, views, opinions, expressed are simply my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent as an Independent agent.

Do you love your agent? All Rights Reserved Pablo Santibanez Copyright 2008

March of Dimes Be a Hero for Babies Day

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:58:06 -0500

Heroes for Babies, what an incredible day and event!

The goal of "Heroes for Babies Day" was to raise $2,000,000 for the March of Dimes in one day June 3, 2008. It was reported that as of 1:30 PST Farmers raised $3,234,816 and counting. The local efforts in los Angeles was to raise $140,000.00 as of 12:00 PST the local efforts were $150,000.00 and counting!

This is a new all time highest single day fundraising record in March of Dimes history! the previous record was 2.7 million!

For those of you who are not aware of what the March of Dimes does? The March of Dimes help save premature babies. Premature births are an epidemic that has become a health crisis. Everyday 1,300 babies are born prematurely. That is 1 in 8 babies born in the U.S.! Many of the babies are too small and sick to go home and face weeks or even months fighting for their lives in a neonatal intensive care unit. Sadly some never make it home.

The efforts of events like this, is to help lower these statistics and to give these babies a fighting chance.

Join me in congratulating all those who participated in this event, Well done, it was a tremendous success!

If you would like to contribute to this wonderful cause click on Heros for Babies

May the source be with you

The thoughts, views, opinions, expressed are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entitles I represent as an Independent Agent.

Losing someone you love is bad enough!

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Sun, 25 May 2008 20:34:43 -0500

When I first moved out to the SCV I remember learning about one of my old schoolmates who had also moved out here in the valley. I'm sure for all the same reasons most young families moved out here. I would soon learn tragically of his sudden death at the age of 37. I could not believe it, he was so young!. He had a great job at the studios, had recently married, was a new father and living what most would call the "American Dream". I learned one day he just collapsed at home and died. I often wondered what had happened to his wife and child as they moved shortly after his passing?.

A few years later by chance, a friend was sharing the story of his fiancé and how she was widowed and it sounded like my friend. I asked was his name by chance (Friend's name) He said "yes" how did you know, did you know him"? Yes, what a small world we were schoolmates! He later introduced me to his fiancé and I later learned the other tragedy that unfolded after my friend's death. If having to deal with his sudden death were not bad enough his wife shared that she was faced with having to pay for his funeral, pay the bills, including the mortgage. She was a stay at home mom at the time and soon after his death was overwhelmed financially and was unable to pay her mortgage. She eventually lost her home and had to move back with relatives. That left a huge impression on me as I also have a young family and I began to wonder what would I leave behind? If something similar happened to me?

I am often reminded of my friend, his wife and child and what had happened to them. I can only assume his agent failed to have this necessary conversation with him? The second tragedy could have been prevented with proper coverage which would have provided his family with the needed monthly income to sustain them financially. Monday morning quarterbacking does nothing for all parties. That is why it's so important to have an in depth discussion about those you love and how to protect them.

So when you ask why I recommend a particular policy or coverage it's not to sell insurance! It's never having to share a story like this about one of my own clients, because the tragedy of losing someone you love is bad enough.

May the source be with you.

The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed, are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entitles I represent as an Independent Agent.

How do you spell Love?

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:44:26 -0500

I was on line the other day watching Rick Warren speaking and he shared a thought that resonated in me. He asked those in attendance how do you spell love? Is this a trick question? Conventional wisdom and every academia would simply state that's simple L-O-V-E. But Rick spelled it differently he spelled it T-I-M-E. We tend to spend the least amount of time with those we deeply love? Why is that?

I was asked the other day why do you go up to see your brother in law so often. Isn't it a two hour ride each way doesn't it get old? I guess if I simply looked at from a certain mindset I could use my time doing other so called more "important " things. But I decided to incorporate a saying I try and use everyday of my life in many different situations. That saying is "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. I suppose that 4 hours with a family of 5 crammed in an FJ Cruiser to some is "purgatory but for me two hours coming home is simply the most important time I have with my daughters and wife and I would do it daily without question.

Last Sunday, as we drove home my oldest began to talk to me about "boy's and issues she's dealing with. (This is rare and not a topic we engage in often, it's typically how was your day? "good", how was school? "good") Real in depth stuff. It was late and we were driving along the California coast staring at the moonlight reflecting off the sea and the distant oil rigs off shore. At home there is always a distraction, someone at the door, the phone ringing, television blaring, MySpace, etc.... in the car it is one on one no distractions and I learn in those two hours precious insight into my daughters world. I'm able to share stories uninterrupted of issues I faced and lessons I learned when I was her age. I give her a guy's/dad perspective. I shared the qualities of what attracted me to my wife of 15 years and other topics along the way and how a purpose driven life is so important. I would spend 10 hours each way if given the choice to capture those moments with my daughter. I'm able to help guide my daughter as my Father guides me. They are the most important times I spend with them driving home.

I have missed many opportunities to reach my daughters in the past. Find your way of sharing your Love with your family it is priceless. So if your spelling of love is not T-I-M-E maybe you need a spell check.

May the source be with you.

What do you do with your time here?

For those of you who do not know who Rick Warren is?

Rick Warren is the Pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest California. He is also the author of "A Purpose Driven Life.

The thoughts, views, opinions, are strictly my own a do not reflect those of the entities I represent as an independent Agent.

Going on vacation? How to get away, without getting all wet!

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:46:01 -0500

I am almost certain that this "to do" item is not on your list of things you need to do prior to leaving on your next vacation destination. Here's how to get away without getting all wet!

We make checklists on paper or make mental notes prior to departing to our vacation destination. Did you bring the tickets? Check, Did you lock the door? Check, Did you shut off your water line to the washer? (Record scratching noise) What?, Why?

Imagine for a moment that you leave for say just a week and your water line to the washer breaks (rubber hoses that are under water pressure can wear over time) and sometimes spring a leak. You then have water pouring out like a fire hose on to your carpets, your furniture, and seeping into your walls. If your laundry room is upstairs than your drywall ceilings will get saturated and will likely come down as well, and this could be going on all week while you are away basking in the sun!. You come home after a week to a whole new set of problems on top of those problems you left to forget about in the first place!

Leave the water back at the lake or ocean paradise. One way to avoid this potential disaster is to turn the cold and hot water valves off in the laundry room that connect to the washer prior to leaving on your vacation getaway. That could help you from getting "all wet"

May the source be with you

All thoughts, views, opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent as an independent agent.

This could make a huge impact on someone you love?

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:41:59 -0500

This was sent to me today. I did not compose it, nor do I know who the author is? It was not copyrighted, so I would like to share it with you. It reads on like this...

Too Busy for a Friend...

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.

Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in VietNam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. 'Were you Mark's math teacher?' he asked. She nodded: 'yes.' Then he said: 'Mark talked about you a lot.'

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.

' We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket 'They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.'

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.

'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said. 'As you can see, Mark treasured it.'

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home.'

Chuck's wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.'

I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary'

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. 'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: 'I think we all saved our lists'

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.

So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.

One Way To Accomplish this Is: Forward this on. If you do not send it, you will have, once again passed up the wonderful opportunity to do something nice and beautiful.

If you're 'too busy' to take those few minutes right now to forward this blog, would this be the VERY first time you didn't do that little thing that would make a difference in your relationships?

The more people that you send this to, the better you'll be at reaching out to those you care about.

Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.

This is me speaking now, with graduation coming up for many of our kids here in the SCV. You could forward this to your child's teacher and ask them to do a similar assignment before the end of the school year? It could touch someone you know for life?

May the source be with you

The thoughts, opinions, and commentaries expressed here do not reflect those of the principles I represent including the people, companies, or topics I write about.

5378 Elm Spring Frisco Texas 75034

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 13:46:33 -0600

Thinking of moving to Frisco? No, not that Frisco, I'm talking about the lone star state of Texas! This is where you can get more cattle under your hat. Take a look at this home in the exclusive executive Starwood Estates at 5378 Elm Spring Frisco Texas. I remember the first time visiting my brother in law Nick Gianis and driving down the highway in Frisco Texas asking myself when they were going to update or take down these roadside signs for homes for sale at those old prices. To my surprise those signs were not old those prices were current asking prices!! Incredible what you can get in Frisco Texas for the same price you can get in California. There is no comparison! Texas is by far the better value!! All these homes have all the upgrades too that are far too many to mention.

My brother in law is selling his home in Frisco Texas. and have since moved back to California. He gave up his "corporate job" in Texas to pursue a dream. He hates the fact that he had to leave the lone star state and this community but it made more sense to move back to California. Nick got together with a group of childhood friends here in California who partnered to create there own company "Life's Building Blocks". The company he helped found is dedicated to providing, books, games, and products geared towards teaching children in their formidable years about values without "preaching to them" If you are interested in this for your child or If you know of anyone who has a small retail business who would like to sell his products in their store, now is the time to act. No establishment for the time being is "Too small", so don't be intimidated to call Nick. Click here for more details on Life's Building Blocks.

Anyone looking for an incredible value, for a beautiful home, in a gated community with a pool. Did I mention in the exclusive "Starwood" executive estates area of Frisco Texas. Click here to learn more.

May the source be with you

All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of the entities I represent as an Independent Agent

Granola Gourmet Bars You Don't Have To Be A Diabetic To Get It

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:17:18 -0600

How was I to know, my neighbor up the way is a Granola Gourmet. Jeff Cohen approached me the other day with a see through plastic container filled with Brownie Granola bars. Of course he had my undivided attention at that point as he began to share with me the story behind this new business he created from his own kitchen. "Here try this, these bars are not only good, but they are good for you" Well he didn't have to ask me twice and I began to chew on the first of many Granola bars that evening. My personal favorite thus far is the "Brownies"

Jeff began to share his story as to what motivated him and his wife (Anita) to create these delicious bars.

I learned that Jeff is a Diabetic and the ingredients he uses allows Diabetics such as himself to enjoy these as well. He even had a friend who is a local endocrinologist look into the makeup of these bars and endorsed them. "These are really good, Tell me more" (between bites) as I continued to sample another "Granola Gourmet" bar. Jeff continued mentioning that the bars are so popular that he began selling them on line and is looking into other ways of increasing his ability to keep up with demand. He recently found one way and that was to create a website Granolagourmet.com so we can order on line. Jeff is presently working on other ways to improve the distribution of his new product. Of course all he has to do is walk over to my place for my deliveries.

Now I am not a Diabetic however eating snacks like this will help me avoid becoming one. I understand that each bar equates to approximately "3 points" if your on the Weight Watchers program which I am presently on.

Jeff is a good guy and he has a great product you should try for yourself. If you know someone in your group of friends or family who is a diabetic have them sample this. But you don't need to be a Diabetic to get it, in fact as I mentioned earlier it could be one additional way to avoid becoming one.

All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of the entities I represent as an independent agent.

52Hours.com On Line Insurance And Securities Education

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:23:53 -0600

I just passed my Fire and Casualty Insurance Licensing test for the state of California. I passed on my first try!. I owe my success first and foremost to the big guy upstairs as well as the folks who created the 52hours.com website. This site was created for students wanting to prepare for the state exam for their Insurance and Securities license. Why 52hours? Well the state of California requires you to take 52 hours of education prior to taking the state Insurance Licensing exam for Property and Casualty Insurance. The first 12 hours consist of Code and Ethics and the remaining 40 hours go towards the Fire and Casualty Insurance.

I signed up on line just under three weeks ago with 52hours.com to prepare for the Insurance Exam here in Los Angeles and it obviously paid off. I studied on line in the evenings and on the weekends whenever I could find the time. I am so grateful to have been able to do this on my own time and from the comfort of home. My only other option would have been to take a week off and go to a classroom for eight hours a day. I couldn't afford to do that especially in this market. This doesn't even take into account the traffic and drive I was able to avoid as well.

If anyone is considering a career move or just looking for an additional means to supplement their income. I highly recommend the 52hours.com site for your educational preparedness for the Property and Casualty Insurance exam. I am preparing for both the Life Insurance and Securities license as well on the 52hours.com website. I can confidently say that I will have these licenses as well in short order thanks to the big guy upstairs and 52hours.com.

Here are the statistics from their website

52hours.com 1st time pass ratio is 25% higher than the state average!! 2008-01-25

It is now official! The first time pass ratio for students of 52hours.com pre-license courses is 25% higher than the statewide online/classroom 1st time pass ratio as reported by the Department of Insurance!! Here are the shocking statistics as provided by the Department of Insurance:

52 hours.com First Time Pass Ratio for 2007

Life Agent Exam - 93.3%

Fire & Casualty - 83.6%

Statewide First Time Pass Ratio for 2007

Life Agent Exam - 68.5%

Fire & Casualty - 57.7%

All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of the entities I represent as an Independent agent.

Emergency Expo 2008 at the College of the Canyons

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:15:09 -0600

What would you do in the event of a disaster? Call 911?, Call your mother?

Most likely in the event of a disaster you may not be able to reach these two. What now? What steps should you take to protect your family and those you love?

Well that is what the Emergency Expo is all about in a friendly, not threatening manner. These are important questions we must be able to answer in the event of an emergency. This expo empowers you with those tools and resources to be prepared for these types of events. There are booths set up throughout the expo and plenty to do for all ages.

This event is being held at College of the Canyons in Valencia on April 19, 2008 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00.P.M.

See you there

If you have any questions contact Donna Nuzzi our Emergency Preparedness Liaison at 661.255.4965

All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams VIP Properties.

ActiveRain Network What my 100th post and 25K points mean to me

Pablo Santibanez (FastAppraisals4u.com) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:17:44 -0600

As I reflect on my ActiveRain membership and what I have experienced, the overall assessment is that this network of real estate professionals has enriched my life in so many ways.

I achieved two milestones recently in our ActiveRain community. One was to accumulate 25K in points, and the other was writing my 100^th post. They were not my motivations to blog, just roadway signs on the side of the information superhighway. Looking back I cannot believe I have achieved both of these milestones within a few days of each other and in my first year blogging on this forum. I am grateful to have this vehicle to share my insights, opinions, and experiences. I have learned a lifetime of information in a mere few months from other ActiveRain members.

The knowledge I have acquired is invaluable as well as the friendships and fellow Rainers opinions and experiences. One advantage that we as "Rainers" have over those who don't use this medium is that we are not limited or relying solely on our own life experiences both personally and professionally. It could take two, three, four lifetimes to experience all of the issues, topics that relate to real estate and other topics that are discussed daily in our network. Those that don't get it, "blogging" are simply falling behind.

I have learned so much from other members my learning curve is shortened daily. I am doing things on line that I could never have imagined if not for what I have learned from others. I will continue to leave my mark on line.

I want to thank all of you for sharing your thoughts, your encouragement, and knowledge thus far.

All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams VIP Properties.