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Don't Forget to Stop and Smell the Flowers

By
Real Estate Agent with Liberty Homes RS-#62825

As the hours and minutes tick away I am reflecting on all things big and small throughout 2009. A challenging time to say the least and as the end of 2009 nears I am once again in awe of the curve balls that life throws me....and how I handled it to bring on a fresh 2010 with glorious dreams, hopes and wishes that I will soon fulfill.

The first half of the year proved to be very challenging in the way of closed transactions. That's okay, I took whatever time in between transactions to update my  blogs, my websites, my marketing and advertising and utilized my time to the fullest.

The second half of the year proved to be a success in the way of closed transactions. Everything I did during the slow times during the first half of the year paid off throughout the second half. I closed my first three short sale transactions in this trying market and have two others closing shortly to start 2010 off with a bang.

My husband is back to work, cast and all, after fracturing his wrist.  I immediately recognized all that Gary did around the house ...when it was left for me to do as he doesn't have the use of his right arm.  He is thankful for all I've been doing through my busy season to hold up the fort.  (I think he's pushing it a bit too much when he acts like his legs are out of commission to get up and get a drink)

My children are fabulous young adults and making their way in this huge world of adulthood.  I am proud of them that they have worked to put themselves through school and that they are all that I was not at their age. They have worked hard this year...to excel.

My mom is moving a lot slower (I noticed on Christmas Day) and she relies on us to help her to get up and down stairs.  I was a little sad as my mom is so independent although I wonder how she still goes to work four days a week and golfing every Monday.  Oh, yeah. She leaves the yard and house up to the kids to help out so she can enjoy her life after giving so much of herself in years prior.

My dad is still with me in my heart and soul and I share the holidays with fond memories of all holidays past.  He was my mentor through life and the All American gentleman with strong morals, values and beliefs.   As his last words to me hold strong in every day living......

Sal...no matter what...your life has to go on........

So remember to always take a moment...to stop and smell the flowers.

With a heartfelt wish of a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year

To All of You...in an out of the ‘Rain'.

Posted by

                                                       

 

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman  is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.

 

 © 2007-2015 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's

Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.

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Comments(17)

Sun City Grand Homes Surprise AZ Real Estate Leolinda Bowers Designated Broker Leolinda Realty
Leolinda Realty - Surprise, AZ
Sun City Grand in Surprise Arizona

You've set your priorities correct, ohana (family) is always first.  Your business consistency has and will continue to produce rewards. Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Dec 31, 2009 02:57 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Leolinda: Hope you're rested now. Dang..with delayed flights and stuff...yuk on traveling sometimes...hope your new year is a grand one!

Dec 31, 2009 03:03 PM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

Sally, Happy New Year!  My husband (Gary also) helps me around the house so much.  I would so miss his help if he was in a cast. I also have young adult children that are doing GREAT.  My elderly parents were here for Christmas.  At age 92 and 84 I am so blessed to still have them.

Dec 31, 2009 03:18 PM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate

Our house wouldn't look much different if my hubby hurt his wrist, but the yard would look like crap! LOL

Happy New Year! =D

Dec 31, 2009 03:48 PM
Steve Shatsky
Dallas, TX

Hi Sally... Happy New Year!  It sounds like you had quite a 2009, yet you came out on top of it!  I hope that 2010 is an even better year with fewer hurdles and even more impressive successes for you.

Dec 31, 2009 04:17 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Beautiful tribute to your Dad, Sally.  Brought tears to my eyes.  Happy New Year.

Dec 31, 2009 10:17 PM
Paddy (Patricia) Pizappi
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Pine Bush, NY
Real Estate Associate Broker Hudson Valley NY

Just seeing your fairy here made me smile even before I read your wonderful words.  Sally you are a treasure to me and so many others who read your posts.  I am sooo happy I met you here in the Rain.  Health and prosperity in 2010 to you and yours.  Have a Wonderful New Year! 

Dec 31, 2009 11:54 PM
Fred Carver Real Estate Consulant
Retired BC Realtor - Victoria, BC
Accredited Real Estate Consultant

Hi Sally...nice of you to share your achievements,thoughts and even worries with your friends.

HAVE YOUR BEST YEAR EVER IN 2010 !

Happy New Year in 2010 from Fred Carver

Jan 01, 2010 01:09 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Sally,

Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!

Jan 01, 2010 01:41 AM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

Sally - a wonderful post - time rushes by and so does life - we have to remember to LIVE life and enjoy each day!

Jan 01, 2010 06:40 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Sally, stopping to smess the flowers is something that I have finally learned.  We are blessed in so many ways that it would be a real shame if we failed to appreciate what we have.

Jan 01, 2010 12:04 PM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Woo Hoo, Taking time to appreciate life is always a great thing. Life is short and the longer we live the shorter it gets, so that inevitability is a constant. When one thinks about what there is to life, what has been and will be, it is always important to understand and appreciate our part in it and what affect we have on it for others as well as ourselves.

There are few barriers to achieving all one wants in this life if surrounded with a true passion. There are often times obstacles that could seem insurmountable depending on from which angle we approach it. Those things are a given. But as we walk from our protected places, the rest of the world is open for our observation as well as our participation. We leave our mark in life not by infusing it or proselytizing to others but when we genuinely care to touch someone else's life as you do in so many countless ways.

How we approach that and what we observe along the way makes the difference on how we feel about it. Seeing a rose and taking in it's fragrance fills the senses with wonderment. Seeing the innocence of a baby's face thrills us to the miracle of life itself. Even touching our pet and feeling the exchange of love is comforting to it as well as our own soul.

Taking time to appreciate all that life shows us truly is what gives our life a lasting meaning. Be it friendship, or family or hobby or career. It is all what we will make of it and how much time we will devote to protecting and preserving it.

Your post is poignant and reflects the depth and the goodness of your own soul as well as your desire to share your life and all that are you are with those that are meaningful to you in your life.

Your friendship to me is part of my life's treasure that I rededicate myself to protect and preserve it. The piece that you photographed is really beautiful in that captures a spirit as much as the elements of life. Beauty is all around us and if we will only see, we are each an integral part of it.

 

Jan 02, 2010 04:10 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

As I re-read this in your post, I realized how long it has been since I have written things that reflect on the value of and the deeper meaning of life itself. I recall a few years back when we first met online that you spoke of this as something you felt that I could and would contribute in my own life as as well in my writing. I could hear your voice telling me how much you appreciate it when one soul touches other souls. Hopefully what I have left here for you, does just that.

Jan 02, 2010 04:36 AM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

January 2, 2009:  If I could be more clear on the importance on stopping to smell the flowers:

Take time for your family and children and the little things in your life that would give you reason to keep a memory bank of fond memories to reflect back on. IT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE....ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

My son drove himself to the hospital at 5am yesterday (because he didn't want to bother anyone) and ended up in surgery at 4:30pm. He had an infected gallbladder that was leaking into his stomach (I presume the last few months) My mom, my husband and I were waiting until 8:30pm when he finally got out of surgery and recovery. They removed his gallbladder and cleaned out his stomach. He'll be fine but it was no less stressful (a mom's heartstrings come in to play here) and again..... life throws those curve balls and we have to be able to handle them.

When these curve balls hit I reflect on those flowers.....knowing I've smelled many.

I slept well last night.

Jan 02, 2010 04:54 AM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

The beginning of each new year always presents a lot to think over from the days behind us to the days ahead. But in your above comment, you said you slept well last night, that's a good sign in my opinion.

Jan 02, 2010 07:12 AM
Kathy Clulow
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Sally -Sorry to hear about your son but certainly glad all went well and that Gary is back to work even if it is cast and all ...

Jan 02, 2010 11:56 AM
Carol Culkin
Diamond Partners Inc - Overland Park, KS
Overland Park Residential Real Estate

Sally - Sounds like life is good and when it's not you know how to turn those lemons to lemonade.  Happy New Year. 

Jan 05, 2010 01:41 PM