Sitting in Astro Crowne Plaza Hotel room listening to the Jazz band outside the hotel window. New Orleans has come alive. I can't help but think of last night coming to the hotel from the airport. I had an interesting conversation with the shuttle driver, Shaw. Shaw has been in the Big Easy his whole life, married 40 years and driving shuttle or cab even longer. Hurricane Katrina took everything. Shaw said he was fortunate enough to get an apartment in a neighboring area until He could get some help to rebuild his home. He feels so fortunate to have come away with his life.

Shaw explained that they have little but don't need a lot. He said the folks in new Orleans were so very grateful that NAR (National Association of REALTORS ) decided to still have their 2006 meetings here. With over 33,000 members attending there will be a lot of Money flowing in for a few days. Hotels are full, restuarants are buzzing, everyone is happy. Shaw did warn though that many people have not come back yet since work is not steady or there is no place to live. He said those here are working overtime and service would be good for all. A good lesson for all.

 Arrived in the Big Easy last night. It was already dark. Arrived at my hotel to meet my first roomate, Fran Thorsen from Pennsylvania, for the first time. As we were getting acquainted, our mutual friend Joeann Fossland From AZ arrived. Joeann and I quickly caught up on the last year's events, grandchildren

 Mine Joeann's

 and we three went off to dinner. 

Fran is a writer, author of HUD Homes for sale and Joeann is a real estate coach. Joeann and I have been rooming at NAR for Many years (we don't count). Check back later for some news breaking info on a few projects these gals are doing.

We decided to stay in the hotel and eat at  Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House Seafood & Oyster Bar. It was delicious. We three shared warm spinach salad, seafood gumbo and Red fish bisque. Fran also ordered Red fish mmmm good! we spent a while networking with some fellow REALTORS we met in the hall. That is the best thing about these NAR meetings. So many good peole to meet and Pick their brains. We dined with Sharon Sims and Tammy her Marketing director, (and daughter) and John who was here to learn about the Canadian Oil Explorations and possibilities is could carry for the US.

After dinner we headed back to the room, chatted a bit and had a good night's rest. We were all awake before our 6AM wake up call. I had the first meeting with my CyberProfessional group at 7am.

It's been a long day filled with new friends and lots of good information to bring back to Michigan. Day 1 of the CyberPro meeting was chuck full of information sharing. Check us out at http://www.cyberprofessionals.net/ The best thing I learned today was that I LOVE this group and am happy to be a part of it. There a lot of new tec tips and ideas flying around the room and many god business building ideas.

Tomorrow will be anaother busy day...Check back to see what Joeann and Fran are doing to help out the world. Might be a good deal for YOU in their fund raising project for CARE. They CARE to make a difference.

Many REALTORS are taking advantage of the opportunity to help here and are giving a day to build homes through habitat.