I don't have many memories of my childhood.  I don't know why.  I do have some very strong memories. (If there are some psychologist/realtors/lenders out there, I would probably make a great case study!)

One of the strongest memories I have is a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida when I was about 11.  This was a family trip taken when my mom was in remission from Colon Cancer.  It was a big deal, we stayed at The Contemporary Resort, the one the monorail runs right through.  There were lots of rides and treats, and tons of sun.  My poor mom (a very proper lady) even almost lost her lunch in one of Disney's trash can's after having been talked into riding the Apple Turnover with us. 

The ride I remember most, even more than one of the coolest rides of all time, Space Mountain (a roller coaster in the dark) was the "It's a small world" ride.  We waited and waited and waited in a line that snaked around outside.  We excitedly entered the building thinking we were close, only to wait and wait and wait again in a line that snaked inside.  It was finally our turn to board the boats that would take us on the much anticipated ride.  We just knew that it would be so worth the wait.  Well, it wasn't.  The boat slowly rode along a river with murals, and dolls, and sculptures from all around the world while the song "It's a small world after all, it's a small world after all, it's a small world after all. It's a small, small world" played over and over and over again.

I have been reminded how small the world really is quite a bit lately.  I was in my office the other day when a sales rep stopped by.  Steve sells wholesale cabinets and was hoping to meet with one of our Realtor partners.  We talked a bit, and since I am looking to remodel my kitchen I gave Steve my card so that he could contact me about setting up a time to see my house.  Always on the look out for referrals, as I handed him my card I said "By the way, if you happen to know anyone who may need some help purchasing or refinancing, we would love to help."  He said he couldn't think of anyone at the moment but his Aunt is a realtor in Carroll County, MD and he would be happy to give her my information.  I asked her name.  It turned out his aunt is Carol Fertitta of Lederer and Company.  I had met Carol at an open house about 6 months ago.  We had just closed a loan for one of her buyer's the day before, and I had just gotten off the phone with her minutes before Steve walked in.  Small world.

It get's smaller.  Carol is sponsoring an open house event in the Elmwood neighborhood of Parkville, MD on November 15th from 2-4.  She has invited all eight of the houses for sale in that area to hold an open house on the same day.  There will be prizes and discounts and a wide variety of homes for sale.

I am working with Carol to help to market this event, and will be there to offer information and mortgage pre-qualifications.  I contacted the realtors who are to be a part of the event and had a lovely conversation with one agent in particular, Laura Christensen of Homes by Riley.  We talked about business philosophy, but we also spoke about our lives. It turns out that Laura currently lives in northern Baltimore County.  She grew up in Catonsville (which is where I live now). Her kids went to the same pre-school my daughter attends.  Her kids now attend the school where my nephews attend.  Small world.  It gets smaller.  After Laura and I got off the phone I sent her an email about the event and a great co-marketing program we sponsor.  She later emailed back to say that my nephew and her son had plans to trick or treat together the following night.

It's a small world after all!  I wonder where the next connection will be! 

Oooh, this is a little wierd, but just as I was finishing this post Jimmy Fallon told an "It's a small world" ride joke on Late Night.  It is a small world!!