Before ActiveRain I was just another starving Realtor looking for a listing in all the wrong places….

Looking for a listing in all the wrong places...You know that old song!

As I started making friends here in the Rain, I grew my referral base and got my first listing referral…..

This one should sell quickly!

Then, before I knew it, I had over 100 subscribers, lots of new friends and referral partners,  and my business grew and grew.

It was then that I traded in my old car…

My first car!

… for a new one…

My new car!

I was even able to afford the Craigster-1 with all the business I was getting from my efforts here in ActiveRain…

The Craigster 1

Now, I’m happy, fat and content….

All because of ActiveRain!

I can't believe I ate the whoe thing!

 

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About The Author

Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530

Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Read my blog at AmericanTowns.com!

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Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!
Post is included in group: POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul
Post is included in group: Club Chaos
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58 Comments on Life Before ActiveRain...And Now!!! What a Long Strange Trip It's Been!

OCT
20
607,397 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

That is awesome!  DId you put sunblock on before sitting out in the sun like that??
2:37pm • #1
141,198 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

ROTFL - You don't look old enough, but you are an old hippie, aren't you?
2:43pm • #2
266,786 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog

there goes my "mind's eye" again... (where is that poking stick!?)
2:46pm • #3
290,529 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Dear Craig,

I dig the old "art car". I used to participate in the Art Car Parade in Houston for many years. I am not sure how you can squeeze into the mini cooper right now?? I am on the way to pick you up and take you to the gym with me.

;)

 
2:46pm • #4
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Ha! Love the picture of friends..(I'm the one in the back looking lost)  Anyway, now that you are rich and famous STOP EATING DONUTS.  You will sink your jet.
2:59pm • #5
5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dear Buddha - One hilarious post. Jib-Jab has to take notes on this.  .... Too funny
3:14pm • #6
135,219 Points 5 Featured Posts

I don't even know where to begin.  My husband and I are literally laughing our butts off!  As always, you have stolen the show!  
3:51pm • #7
445,156 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

OMG, Graig. You are just too funny. I have to go throw some bleach in my eyes now. LOL, Jim

On a serious note, we are so happy to know you. This time I mean it.
3:55pm • #8
836,015 Points 213 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Thanks for the chuckle.  I needed that.

 
4:25pm • #9
141,463 Points 22 Featured Posts

Hi Craig!

LOLOL, the last picture made me snort! Now people in my office are calling me piggy!! hahaha Great fun and you have excellent character. :)
4:35pm • #10
155,091 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Craigster ~ Wow! You have out done yourself. I think I may even share this with my son. He has my sense of humor so he will definately appreciate this the way I have!

Have a great night.
4:38pm • #11
Outside Blog

There's one in every crowd. Thanks for the laugh.
4:52pm • #12
118,508 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Craig, Hysterical post my friend but the last picture was a little disturbing! OK, maybe a little more than a little...good luck to you in the contest! Happy Tuesday!
5:06pm • #13
113,662 Points 5 Featured Posts

OMG.  I don't even know what to say.  And somebody thinks this is featureworthy!!!LOL
5:14pm • #14
139,606 Points 14 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hahaha! Much needed- thank you!
5:47pm • #15
301,798 Points 4 Featured Posts

ToulaRosebrock.comHi Craig:

OK, you've got me in hysterics that I'm crying!!!

You've out done yourself with this entry my friend...

Good luck in the contest.
6:47pm • #16
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Donna - I didn't put on any sunblock. But I did apply some of this...!!!

Not just for cooking anymore!

Virginia - Contrary to popular belief, I'm a YOUNG hippie!

Alan - Ha! Ha! Ha!

Betina - Gym? What's a gym? do they have donuts there?!!!

Kathleen - MMMMMM Donuts!!!

MMMMMM Donuts!!!

 
6:50pm • #17
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Claude - Buddah! Very funny Claude! And thank you for stopping on by!

Amy - Just me being me Amy! Glad you guys had a good laugh!

Jim - And on a serious note, I'm glad to know you guys too. You folks live way too close for us not to get together one day. We'll have to make that happen.

Lenn - Just part of the full service I provide!

Lisa - Oh no! Not an office piggy snort!!! They're never going to let you forget that one!
6:59pm • #18
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Terrie - So glad you liked Terrie! Feel free to share it with everyone! I'm not afraid!

France and Mark -Well if there's one in every crowd, and if I'm one in a million, then there are 1,330 of me in China.....OOOOOOOOOH that's a scary thought!

Wanda - It's a super sized disturbing picture! Happy Tusday to you too my friend!

Marian - Creature feature worthy maybe!!!

Laurie - Well if you needed it, I'm glad I was able to provide it! My work is done for the day!

Toula - Don't cry Toula....Well, OK you can cry, especially since they're tears of happiness! It makes me smile to know I've made my friend laugh. That's very important to me.

 

 
7:10pm • #19
190,980 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Good one Craig, you look like you are having your own party.  You have come a long way since the 60's.
7:19pm • #20
314,436 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Dude - I just have to ask again - what is your problem?  Dropped on head as baby?  Too much indulgence in previous life? Your posts crack me up beyond belief! Luv ya, man!
7:27pm • #21
457,000 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Craig, Every once in a while a blog is priceless...this was one of those!  By the way, I would have kept the old car and restored it, it's a classic.......
7:37pm • #22
353,583 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Now that was a funny blog!!  I loved the ending.  Well, I didn't really LOVE the ending because the photo was so....so.....in-your-face.  But it was funny.  I burst out laughing.  My husband came to check on me!
8:34pm • #23
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Al and Peggy - Haven't we all come a long way since the '60's?

Leesa - I was dropped on my head while indulging!!! Luv ya too! Dudette!

Carole - Thank you Carole! Sometimes I just think funny things and I can't keep them to myself. So glad you enjoyed. It makes it all worthwhile when my friends are smiling.

Barbara - WOW! A laugh out loud funny? One that had your hubby come to check on you? I guess I did something right this time around!
8:51pm • #24

OMG, you really shouldn't make somebody at my age laugh that hard.  My poor cat who loves to lay under my desk jumped a foot in the air.  I lost it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.  i needed that today. 
10:20pm • #25
200,878 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YEEEEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEEEEEE !!!!

... oh the tears ! :o)

 

Bravo brutha, this was a classic !
10:34pm • #26
375,813 Points 63 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Craig, That was just too funny but certainly those photos of your physical evolution does seem to indicate that being (how shall I put this, oh I know,  will rounderd)  is what happens with too much business success, too much sitting at the computer blogging and then having to take your meals while answering comments on ActiveRain. hehehe
10:45pm • #27
165,139 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Too funny Craig, now that I've picked myself up off the floor, I'd like to talk to you about the "friends" link ! LOL  

Wonderful job, Congratulations on your success!
11:38pm • #28
OCT
21
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Very funny and creative.  Your conversion from Hippiedom to buddism is amazing.  May you have peace and prosper.
12:36am • #29
600,649 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Wow...and what a story you told lol. Very entertaining ....and good luck!
1:03am • #30
525,779 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Craig, Very creative and funny. I needed a good laugh this morning. Now I know how to achieve Zen... 

Helping you live your American dream...
2:53am • #31
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Leigh - Well if I made you laugh so hard that even your cat freaked out, then all I can say is, "Mission Accomplished!"

Sheldon - A classic? WOW! That's pretty high praise. Thank you my friend!

William - Just so long as I don't end up like this guy, I'll be ok!



The Meaning Of Life - The Autumn Years

 
6:56am • #32
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Mary - You got a problem with my "friends"?!!!! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Charles - See how we reinvent ourselves as we age?! Gotta change with the times or be left behind!!!

Thanks for stopping on by!

Sally - Thank you Sally. And thank you for creating this contest and for all the work you've put into it.

Michael - Ohmmmmm......

Craig Rutman - The Zen Master!
7:02am • #33
103,171 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Craigster, I think you just burned my retinas!!!! Still laughing and will be all day....now that this picture is still in my memory bank!! LOL
7:03am • #34
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Caren - Try some of this and get back to me......!!!

The cure for the common burning retina!!!
7:55am • #35
244,942 Points

Craig, OMG you don't know how much I  needed this post today!  So glad I didn't miss it...now I will keep that last photo in my head all day!  LOL
9:03am • #36
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Kristin - I knew that last picture was going to create some sort of reaction! So glad it was one that drew laughs instead of nausea! Enjoy the rest of the day!
9:08am • #37
173,739 Points 14 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

HOLY COW! (not the last picture) I cannot stop laughing at your post! I have to tell you I went for many years with my hair similar to yours in the first photo but I think all the evidence is gone...Great JOB!
9:28am • #38
193,033 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Hi Craig. Funny post! But please, put a shirt back on...:) Ken
9:51am • #39
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Russell - Not all the evidence is gone of your long hair days my friend! I have pictures!!!

Ken - I'd love to put a shirt back on...But none of them fit anymore!!!
11:17am • #40
2 Featured Posts

So wrong on so many levels...where do I begin????? The last picture will give me some sleepless nights for sure....ewwww! Thanks for the warped Wednesday laugh!
11:33am • #41
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Cecily - I knew that last picture would evoke some reactions! Now for your insomnia issue, try some sleeping pills. But, remember, they take time to work. Don't expect results overnight!!!
12:15pm • #42
139,975 Points

I say it again - you have the most warped, funny, entertaining, and wonderful sense of humor! You are a keeper, Craig!

Debi
12:38pm • #43
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Debi - Thank you Debi! I'm just glad you're just warped, funny and entertaining enough to appreciate my sillies! You're a keeper too!
1:52pm • #44
2 Featured Posts
No Z's for me for a while I'm afraid....I don't think there is enough pills in the universe to erase that last pic from my little pea brain...hee! You post is as always hilarious!
5:45pm • #45

This is too funny!  The pictures are priceless and we have had a good laugh around the office because of your post - thank you!!
6:31pm • #46
New proverb for you, O Craig: Re-blogging is the sincerest form of flattery! Cheers, Robin
6:38pm • #47
189,483 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Craig, I ALMOST don't know what to say!!! Wow, ROFLMAO, I spit all over the screen, dropped the laptop on the cat, who then screeched across the floor, right over the dog, who jumped up, hit the table and knocked my drink all over the floor. The drink splattered all over the laptop which was laying on the floor while I was hanging on to the sides of the couch in need of resuscitation. I managed to salvage the laptop, (lucky for you), the cat is no where to be found and the dog is really really mad at me. I am giving him your phone number. I am afraid the cat may have dug the ole claws into some very sensitive body parts judging by the way he is acting. 

:D
7:41pm • #48
122,792 Points 9 Featured Posts
Judging by the last picture, blogging makes one FAT - but happy!!! Thanks for the comic relief!!!
7:56pm • #49
OCT
22
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Cecily - So glad you enjoyed and, despite the lack of sleep you're sure to encounter, try and get some rest! Welcome back my friend. You've been missed!

Susan - Nothing like a little office fun time to bring everyone together! You can use this post as a "What to do (or not to do) to market yourself" tutorial!!!

Robin - Thanks for the re-blog my friend! And, yes, I'm flattered that you thought this was worthy enough to re-blog!

Andrea - OK, that's just way too funny! That scenario could be a blog within itself! Have your dog call me. I'm sure his bark is worse than his bite!!!

Andrea's dog is mad at Craig!!!

Dawn - The moral of the story is that you just have to watch what you blog eat. And please blog eat in moderation!!!
8:01am • #50
333,281 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I knew you had put on a few pounds, but I had no idea that it had come to this my friend.
10:55am • #51
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

JL - I know! Look what happened to me! And with the holiday season coming up, I just don't know how in the world I'm going to find the time to lose all these extra pounds!
11:24am • #52
189,483 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Duncan says his attorney will be in touch, LOL. 

And as far as the weight goes, talk to Broker Bryant. He says stay away from the Slimfast and hit the donuts. :D
3:32pm • #53
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Andrea - Duncan? Your dog's name is Duncan? I'm even less afraid now than I was before!!! Tell him to call my attorney Fluffy and see what they can work out......

My dog/ attorney, Fluffy!

 
5:13pm • #54
OCT
23
Outside Blog

OMG Craig, I'm sitting on my deck looking at this post and reading the comments and I just realized I'm getting RAINED on and didn't even notice! Toooo funny...
3:13pm • #55
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Claire! - So good to see you here in the Rain! And so glad to hear that my blog was so engaging that the world and its elements went unnoticed!!! Now that's one powerful blog my friends!!!
3:30pm • #56
OCT
26
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I'm catching up on the rain and of course on your blog and I'm crying from laughing so hard.  You had me with the buddha pic but the dog above is priceless!  Thanks for always making me laugh!
10:44am • #57
213,319 Points 4 Featured Posts

Erin - Well, welcome back my friend! So glad that you came back on a "good" day!!! Enjoy the smiles! Come back soon!
11:11am • #58

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Craig Rutman North Carolina (Raleigh Area) Realtor

Cary, NC

More about me…

Home Buyer and Seller Specialist

Office Phone: (919) 349-9530

Cell Phone: (919) 349-9530

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